Newsletters

News from Mr Grady

Hello Everyone!

I don't know about you, but I continue to discover that working from home has its upsides and downsides...

My spot in the kitchen where I have set up my workspace (or bombsite, as my wife refers to it) has a nice view out of the window, and now that the sun appears to have joined us a little more permanently, it means the work space is quite light and airy.  

The issue is that it is quite close to the kettle and the biscuit barrel.  

When I was working "school hours" at school - there was break and lunch when I might have partaken of a snack.  But now I'm working from home, I've acquired the habit of "rewarding" myself for doing things that in normal circumstances I would just do.  And every treat appears to be a biscuit, or a cup of coffee:

Logged on to the computer today? Have a treat.   Sent my daily emails?  Have a treat.  Made myself a coffee?  Have a treat!   

There is a bowl of apples on the table behind me, but they are currently gathering dust - particularly while the biscuit barrel remains stocked.  I may in desperation eat an apple, but I can't imagine what a piece of fruit would be a reward for...

This is what I have to keep reminding myself - for a while, it was "different", so it was OK to eat biscuits every 15 minutes, but as we've established, at least for a while longer, this is our new normal. I cannot possibly continue to treat the situation like it's not a new normal.

The biscuits have to go.

But the I think the Coffee will have to stay.

What IS going to be important is that over the half term holiday, we all get a chance to relax, reflect, and "switch off".  It might mean having a little treat of some sort or another, to support the last half term's work and to acknowledge a job well done.  

And now, having written this week's newsletter, I think I need some sort of treat...where has my wife hidden the biscuit barrel?

I hope you're all staying well and safe.
Best wishes,
Mr Grady

LGBTQA+ Support

Of course this is a wholly stressful time for everyone, it is also unfortunately true that the current pandemic has disproportionately affected those who identify as queer, whether that is in terms of access to medical care, mental health care, or the effects of being surrounded by a family who do not accept them, regardless of whether they are out or not. In general, those who identify as LGBTQA+ are more likely to be isolated from their already small support networks than ever during this time, thus are more likely to suffer poor mental health; the horrible truth is that we are overwhelmingly more likely to experience domestic abuse particularly due to social distancing measures.

Fortunately, there is support available for those who identify as LGBTQA+ which have amended their services to be effective remotely during this period of such great uncertainty. The resources listed at the close are available for queer people in need of all types of support; many are also available twenty-four hours a day including online support, email or helplines. Undoubtedly, it is strongly encouraged that if you are struggling in any way that you do seek help. Please do be assured to that the support is entirely confidential, whether it is practical advice or a safe space to talk with other queer people you require.

Links to resources for LGBTQA+ people:

LGBT Foundation: https://lgbt.foundation/

Stonewall: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/

Galop: https://www.galop.org.uk/

The Proud Trust: https://www.theproudtrust.org/

Switchboard: https://switchboard.lgbt/

Mermaids UK: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/

For family & friends: https://www.fflag.org.uk/

Finally, it is vital to remember that your identity, mental and physical health and safety are of the utmost importance, particularly in such stressful times; all of your concerns are valid, and if you feel like you need help, there will always be people here for you.

Harriet Reece, Year 13

National Theatre at Home

National Theatre at Home launched on YouTube on April 2, and now, every Thursday (7pm) sees a new National Theatre play released – free to watch for one week – along with bonus content including cast and creatives Q&As and post-stream talks.

What’s on this week? ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace – but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski.

This critically acclaimed production was filmed live on stage at the Young Vic in 2014 by National Theatre Live. Gillian Anderson plays Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire. Streaming from 7pm on Thursday 21 May. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJEpYaD3yTw

BBFC rating 15 when released in cinema. Contains scenes featuring sexual violence and domestic abuse.

This is particularly useful for A Level English Literature students as this is one of their examination texts!

Creative Writing Club

This week's lovely sonnet is by Oliwia Szumiel, Year 8

 

KS3 Book Recommendation

Suitable for Older KS3 students: 1814: Two 16-year-old stepsisters run away with a married man. The results are devastating and the ripples will be felt for centuries.

This is the incredible story of Mary Shelley – radical, rebellious and entranced. It is the story of a young woman who defies tradition and society, and who draws upon the monstrous elements of her own life to create the most memorable monster of them all.

Please find below information that has been passed to us that may be of interest to you and your family.

Do check frequently as it's updated every day

Latest information on coronavirus from Warwickshire County Council

Click Here for the latest newsletter from Compass Young People

School Health team are #HereToHelp Warwickshire families at this difficult time. Text for confidential health & wellbeing advice from their friendly nurses.

Young people 11-19: text ChatHealth on 07507 331 525

Parents/carers: text Parentline on 07520 619 376

Warwickshire Family Information Service Newsletter
May 15th Edition
May 19th Edition

Click HERE for the Parent Support Guide and links

Rise is a family of NHS-led services providing emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire. Click HERE for more information.

Click Here for more information on telephone access for parents/carers for the Educational Psychology Service

Empowering children and young people to build resilience and to fulfill their potential

ThinkNinja is an app specifically designed to educate 10-18 year olds about mental health, emotional wellbeing and to provide skills young people can use to build resilience and stay well. ...read more information