Manchester terror attacks How do we tell children about this?
DEVASTATED teachers have had the very difficult task of explaining to pupils how a terrorist had exploded a bomb in a public space full of children at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.
Some schools had an even more upsetting task – telling pupils that their friends would not be coming into class, with youngsters among the 22 dead and 59 injured victims of the atrocity at the Manchester Arena.
They included Tarleton Community Primary School, which saw popular eight-year-old pupil Saffie Rose Roussos killed.
Students at Croston’s Bishop Rawstorne School were told the news that talented former pupils Georgina Callander, 18, had also perished.
At other schools staff were facing up to trying to explain to youngsters what had happened.
They included Farnborough Road Junior School in Birkdale, where the school flag was flown at half mast, with teachers using a special prayer and Newsround to get across their message.
Headteacher Adrian Antell said: “It’s so sad.
“I’m sure all schools were concerned about the safety of their pupils on Tuesday and knew that children would have been victims of this attack.”
As teachers arrived for work, Mr Antell urged them all to show children a Newsround report about the tragedy, and to read thm a section on being worried about the news.
Staff then allowed the children to discuss and ask questions about the incident, while also reassuring them that “these are isolated incidents and we are safe in school”.
The school flag was flown at half mast – with teachers explaining why.
Staff then led a period of quiet and reflection in class and invited children to share in this prayer: Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the ability to make others feel better.
Help us to share our lives together in peace.
Help us to love and care for those who need us.
Help us to care for our families and friends.
Please help us to play our parts in encouraging peace in the world.
Amen.