Teachers and pupils at London school take part in a mufti (non-uniform) day to support Life After Lary
The following letter was sent to parents and carers of children from Walington Primary Academy from Headteacher - Mrs Guerin.
On Thursday 16th April, we will be recognising World Voice Day in school.
To help children understand the importance of their voices and to celebrate the many different ways we can communicate, pupils will take part in silent activities during the day. These will include a silent Daily Mile on the playground and one voice-free lesson, where children will communicate through drawing, writing, gesture or other creative methods. Children are invited to wear non-uniform for a £2 donation, with all funds raised going to two charities that are particularly close to our school community.
We are supporting Speech and Language UK, a charity that works nationally to support children with speech, language and communication needs. This is especially meaningful for our school, as many of our pupils experience communication difficulties, including selective mutism. The work of speech and language professionals is vital in helping children feel confident, understood and able to fully access learning.
In addition, we are supporting 'Life After Lary', a charity that helps raise awareness of laryngeal (voice box) cancer, a condition that is not widely publicised but has affected a family within our wider school community. By supporting this charity, we hope to raise awareness of this condition and assist with research into treatment. For further information please see the website www.lifeafteriary.co.uk
World Voice Day will be a thoughtful and inclusive experience, encouraging children to value their own voices, respect different ways of communicating and support others through kindness and generosity.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
School assembly and leaflet distribution
Whitelands School, Thatcham are holding an asesmbly to talk about the work Life After Lary do and help children learn about vocal differences.
Leaflets are being distributed to all children to take home. If you feel this is something you would do in your school, please get in contact.