Last week we celebrated our annual Diversity Week. The children had the opportunity to learn about how all families have similarities and differences. We all thought that although the composition of each and every family may differ, the two things that all families have in common are love and respect.  Our Reception children kicked off our week with their beautiful pride parade, where they were taught that everyone is an individual and that we should all be proud of who we are. Lots of us went out into the playground to cheer them, as they joyfully paraded with the EYFS staff team. 

KS1 learned all about the composition of different families and KS2 explored the idea of respect. They considered how we should all try and be upstanders against discrimination and unkindness. The highlight of our week was Thursday’s visit from paralympian, Lauren Rowles and the 'Just Like Us' team. Lauren is a rower and has won many medals, including golds at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and World and European Championships. EYFS was lucky enough to have Lauren open their first ever sports day. The rest of the school was then treated to an enthralling assembly by Lauren, where she described her journey, from her difficulties as a child to her success as an athlete and new mum. Central to her message was that success and happiness can only come if you are true to yourself and are happy in your own skin. Also, that it is important to be an upstander against those who treat anyone unfairly or with unkindness because of who they are. Mrs Bachour said: "It was such a pleasure to welcome Lauren and the 'Just Like Us' team to our school. Lauren's message of upstanding and appreciating our differences is something we talk about on a daily basis at St Stephen's, so she was the perfect heroine to visit to our school during Diversity Week. We would like to thank Miss Collins for organising this special week."

Founded in 2016, 'Just Like Us' is an LGBT+ charity which was helps young people from the LGBT+ community become accepted in our world. It works with schools and colleges across the UK. 

Psst - Miss Collins is too modest to remind us but in 2021 this is what the 'Just Like Us' team said about her. "We have awarded Nicola Collins LGBT+ Inclusive Teacher of the Year after transforming her school into a safe and inclusive environment for all her pupils, including those who have LGBT+ families." Stop press ... our school is nominated for another 'Just Like Us' award again this year ...