Dear [insert head teachers name],

I am writing to inform you that [insert child’s name] will be taking part in the Bristol School Strike for Palestine this Thursday, and will be absent from school for the day.

After a year of attacks in Gaza including the targeting of safe zones, there is nowhere safe for Palestinian families. As part of the mass movement in solidarity with Palestine, we will be joining the strike to pressure our government to stop supplying arms to Israel and push for an immediate ceasefire.

We wish to protest peacefully, with the intention of showing solidarity with the people of Gaza, with particular focus on the 1 million innocent children, over 11,000 of whom have been killed over the last year.

Whatever our faith or politics, as parents and carers, we wish to unite for the preservation of human life and collectively demand an immediate ceasefire..

I will gladly support [insert child’s name] in catching up with any work they might have missed.

I have found the following links useful but welcome guidance and suggestions from the school in navigating age appropriate conversations regarding war and conflict.

https://www.unicef.org/parenting/how-talk-your-children-about-conflict-and-war

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/blogs/2022/how-to-talk-to-children-about-war

Warm wishes,

[Your name here]