Dear Parents, Carers and Staff,

Reminder - Year 7 & 8 - Dancing through the Decades Fundraiser
A reminder that this event being organised by The Performing Arts Department will take place in school on Friday 13^th February.  For more information, please see the email sent to parents on 29^th January.

Important notice for parents and carers
The police have been informed of an incident involving a member of the public acting suspiciously in the proximity of Upland Primary School in Bexleyheath, yesterday afternoon (Thursday 5^th February). No children are known to have witnessed the incident and the person left the area in their car.  As always, we ask parents to remain vigilant and report any incidents of concern to the police on 101 or 999 for emergencies. No additional  information can be shared as the incident is being investigated.

Online Safety
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, we are writing to remind all families of the vital role you play in monitoring your child’s digital life. With the increasing influence of social media and online communities, we ask that parents, carers, and mobile phone contract bill-payers remain vigilant regarding the content young people are accessing and the individuals they are interacting with.

Please regularly check the apps, group chats, and content your child is engaging with. If you are the bill-payer for a mobile device, you have a direct responsibility to ensure the device is being used safely and appropriately. We encourage you to consider the impact of "online influencers" and digital communities on your child’s wellbeing. The Children’s Commissioner has recently released an invaluable guide titled "What I wish my parents knew," which provides practical advice on navigating the digital world with your child. We strongly encourage you to read this guidance here: Children's Commissioner Parent Guide.

Children's Mental Health Week – 9^th – 15^th February
At Townley Grammar School, we recognise that mental health and wellbeing are fluid—they can change from day to day. It isn't always easy to tell when a young person is struggling, as we all react differently to life's challenges. Our goal is to foster an environment where open conversations are the norm. By talking honestly about our feelings, we can dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure every student feels safe and empowered to seek support when they need it. While supporting a young person through a difficult time can feel daunting, please remember that you are not alone; there is a wealth of expert guidance available.

Helpful Resources:

Mind’s Youth Info Hub: A comprehensive guide to help young people and their families understand their experiences and find a way forward - Visit Mind.org.uk

Kooth: A free, safe, and anonymous online platform specifically designed to support youth mental health - Explore Kooth for Families

What’s Happening at Townley?
Throughout the week of 9th–15th February, we will be hosting a variety of events during registration and lunchtimes. We encourage all students to check their Year Group Hubs for the full schedule and more information on how to get involved.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026
After half term, from Monday 23rd February to Sunday 1st March 2026, we’re celebrating alongside BEAT; the power of community and the vital role family, friends, and other support networks play in helping someone feel supported, understood, and never alone on their journey from seeking help, undergoing treatment and beyond. Eating Disorders Awareness Week is run by Beat – the UK’s eating disorder charity

Community can come in so many forms; from friends and family, to teachers at school, to those in groups based on your hobbies, values or beliefs, and those you meet in support groups in person and online. We want to use Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 to empower communities to spot the signs of eating disorders and support those affected to get the help that they need, and show those struggling with an eating disorder how to find communities to empower them in their recovery and show that they are more than their eating disorder:

• For help and support, please click here: Spot the signs.
• Offer support: Learn more about eating disorders and how to reach out for help.
• Celebrate Identity: Remind those struggling that they are more than their eating disorder and help them find empowering spaces for recovery.
• Should you require further support from school please make contact via safeguarding@townleygrammar.org.uk. Alternatively, please contact your GP with your concerns.

Bexley Family Hub – Housing – Thursday 26^th February
Family Wellbeing are inviting families to the Family Hub in Erith for a coffee morning, from 10am – 12pm.  You are invited to join the free workshop, offered by Morris Mission, for support and guidance if going through the eviction process or currently living in temporary accommodation.  Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Kind regards,

Miss S Totty
Interim Headteacher