Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS – REMINDER FROM WEST MIDLANDS POLICE

With Christmas fast approaching, it is important that students are reminded what we, as a school community, expect of them in terms of behaviour during the festive break from school.  Whilst we hope they will enjoy socialising with friends and family, we also want to ensure they feel confident to keep themselves safe and away from danger, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Parents/carers and students should already be aware that as part of our safeguarding arrangements, the school has a two-way information sharing agreement in place with West Midlands Police, and we are active members of the local Police & Schools Panel.  This joint approach helps us to intervene early to prevent and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour involving our students; and provide support and up-to-date safety messages.

In partnership with the police, we would like to remind our students about the following:-

• Anti-social behaviour: Think about how your actions and behaviour affects others. 
• Remember the company you keep: if your friend breaks the law, you may also be held responsible for that crime, even if you weren’t the one directly responsible.
• Personal Safety:
  • Be aware of your surroundings, take care of friends and family members and keep Christmas gifts and other valuables such as smartphones out of public view whenever possible, especially during your journey to and from school, when you return in the New Year.  Register your valuables at www.immobilise.com to improve the chances of getting them back if they are lost or stolen.
  • Don’t drink alcohol, take illegal drugs or unknown substances; they can have a big impact on your health and safety, behaviour and your ability to do well at school and enjoy other interests and activities. They can also be addictive and have unpredictable side effects, including sudden death! Information is available at www.talktofrank.com
• Weapons in public places: carrying knives or other weapons will get you a criminal record which can have life-long effects on travel and job prospects.  Those who carry knives are also much more likely to be injured by them.
• Off-road bikes: these can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission. Don’t risk your life and future prospects by illegally riding these on the road.

   

Yours faithfully
Jessie Elbaz Headteacher/Principal Harborne Academy	Kenny Bell Chief Superintendent East Neighbourhood Policing Unit West Midlands Police	Danny Long Chief Superintendent West Neighbourhood Policing Unit West Midlands Police