Head's Newsletter 12 February 2021

We were very fortunate to be able to host Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, founder of the DSM foundation this month here at Tiffin. She spoke to all of Year 11 on Tuesday 2nd February as part of the 21st Century Life programme, and followed up with a talk to parents on the evening of Tuesday Feb 9th, where she was accompanied by Ruth James. Fiona told the story of her son, Daniel. Daniel, a very popular and sociable boy, tragically died aged 16 after taking MDMA at a rave party which he was attending with four of his friends in January 2014. Fiona recounted Daniel’s life and the circumstances of his death in a gripping and moving way. A full account of the story is available here: Since Daniel’s death, Fiona and her husband set up the DSM foundation in Daniel’s honour to try to prevent other families from having to go through the pain of losing a child, and to stop the damage done by drugs to young lives. She provided insight, guidance and expertise to empower pupils to overcome the challenges of peer pressure, and make informed decisions on their behaviour surrounding drugs and substance use. She also offered strategies to combat the inertia surrounding conversations about drug use, and how parents and teenagers can co-operate to keep everyone safe.

Fiona's book, 'I wish I'd known' is available to pre-order now. All monies raised will go to the DSM Foundation and their continued work to educate teenagers and parents about the risk of substance use and risk-taking behaviour in teenagers. She is a brilliant speaker, and we were very pleased that she could come and talk to us. Thank you!

You are invited to the upcoming Soloists’ Recital , at 7pm on Tuesday 23 rd February . This performance, pre-recorded by Tiffin pupils. Please click here to attend. All pupils have been invited to perform in this recital. Performances of music in any style are welcome. Pupils can find out how to take part by visiting here. Through the Tiffin Music Virtual Concerts page, all streamed performances given by Tiffin musicians, can be watched again. Please click here to listen to the recent highlights .