In The Loop

Dear families,

I am sure you, like me, were shocked and saddened by the distressing events that took place on Wednesday in our local community, where two Jewish men were stabbed during a terrorist incident. This follows a series of antisemitic attacks and hate crimes both locally and more widely, and I am conscious of the impact, anxiety and concerns about safety on our Jewish pupils, families, staff and wider community. 

Our thoughts are with the victims of these attacks and their families, and with all those in our community who are affected. The safety and wellbeing of pupils and the school community is, of course, our priority, and Mr Hodges, Deputy Headteacher/Designated Safeguarding Lead, will be speaking to pupils in assembly next week to remind pupils that staff are here to provide support, and to speak to any member of staff or to email our safeguarding team via safe@ccfplus.com should they have any questions or concerns.

The Metropolitan Police wrote to Barnet Headteachers to share the steps that have been taken in the local area following the events on Wednesday: 

“Communities can expect to see a significantly increased number of officers in and around the area, with measures implemented to help prevent and deter crime. Uniformed and plain clothed officers will maintain a strong presence around the borough, including providing reassurance to Jewish places of worship and businesses. Extra stop and search powers have also been introduced across Barnet to help deter acts of violence and target any potential offenders. Additionally, armed response vehicles and Counter Terrorism Policing resources have also been deployed to the area to support the increased local policing plan. Police motorbikes and interceptors will also be in and around communities to bolster efforts. 

An investigation into the incidents remains ongoing, with local officers supporting Counter Terrorism Policing London (CTP London). The Met and CTP London will continue to engage with community leaders and Jewish communities, with the incidents being treated as antisemitic hate crimes.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: “Keeping our communities safe remains our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to step up resourcing to prevent and deter criminality.

“We recognise the feeling of concern among local people and do not underestimate the impact of incidents of this nature – particularly our Jewish communities. We continue to work with our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing who are leading the investigations into all of these incidents due to the similar circumstances and online claims of responsibility. We and Counter Terrorism Policing have officers working continuously to support this investigation and our communities.
“I want to thank local partners, including the Community Safety Trust, for their support. We will keep speaking to representatives from across our community and remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling antisemitism and hatred in all its forms. Everyone should be able to live peacefully and without fear.”

We are all individuals but we are all part of Christ’s College Finchley and I am incredibly proud of our diverse and inclusive school community. Please contact the school if there is anything we can do to support and I wish you all a peaceful weekend.

Kind regards,

Dr Ruth Hill

Headteacher