As a school and an international community, we are deeply saddened by the events taking place in Ukraine. Our pupil body is made up of young people from around the globe including Ukraine, Russia and neighbouring European countries.
We have spoken to our pupils from both Ukraine and Russia who are, naturally, incredibly worried about the situation. We have reassured pupils from both countries that we will support them if they are unable to travel to be with their families. We have also made arrangements to ensure they can speak to their family at home when they wish to.
As well as this, we are providing additional support to our whole community in the knowledge that future threats, uncertainty, and distressing reports are affecting many of our pupils. We have spoken with teachers about how to best support the pupils during the course of their lessons and other activities.
Pastoral support is available around the clock. All pupils belong to a House community and are made aware of who, from their House and from the wider school, is available to listen to and support their concerns. Some of our older pupils in each House have been trained as Peer Mentors and we have been touched by how supportive pupils have been to each other. The College also has counsellors and a Wellbeing Room for pupil support.
Two chapel services have been held – one for the whole school and one voluntary – for anyone wishing to pray for peace and for families caught up in this dreadful situation.
We have always offered our pupils a healthy and happy environment in which to make their home with us. We continue to offer a protective home for all our pupils and make sure they are safe.