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Posted on: February 5th 2018

Parent Information Evening on Thursday 22 February 6:30-7:30pm

The second in our series of Parent Information Evenings will take place on Thursday 22 February from 6:30-7:30pm.

The evening will involve two sessions focused on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ+) Awareness

Female Genital Mutilation: The effects of FGM are long term and can be devastating both physically and emotionally. It is a problem that crosses cultures and faiths and is common in some parts of the world from where our students originate. FGM includes all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. It is illegal in the UK.

Christ's has been proactive in raising awareness of FGM amongst our students as a means of protecting them and others against the risk of FGM. All students in Y8-11 had a session on FGM last academic year delivered by Forward (Foundation for Women’s Health, Research and Development) and a session is booked in May 2018 for the current Y7 cohort. FORWARD has significant experience of working with girls at risk and educating them about FGM and in their sessions the presenters have explained clearly what FGM is, dispelled the many myths which exist about the practice and provided information about where they or others at risk can get help. We believe that as well as being a safeguarding issue, it is also an important Citizenship issue for all our students in developing their understanding of discrimination and inequality. We are delighted therefore that representatives from FORWARD have offered to deliver a short session for parents on this very important topic.

LGBTQ+ Awareness: this session will be led by the Charity Free2B, following two brilliant training sessions the Charity have led for the pastoral team at Christ's. The session will include a brief introduction to LGBTQ+ terms of reference to briefly explain sexuality & gender. The presenters will then look at the impact of Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic (HBT) bullying on students emphasising that HBT bullying can impact on ANY child regardless of whether they identify as LGBTQ+. This is to ensure all parents realise that it is important for the school to tackle, challenge and reduce HBT bullying. The session will end with a brief look at Christ's commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

The evening will take place in the main school, in the Drama Hall, 6.30-7.30pm

Parents do not have to ‘book in’ to attend the session but it would be helpful for the presenters to have some idea of numbers. If you are thinking of coming along please contact Christ’s School Reception on 020 8940 6982 or email pie@christs.richmond.sch.uk.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Later in the term other PIEs will focus on the following: