Hi @MaryB83 I am the communications manager at my children's school and I have often been asked to draft a letter to explain a staff member's absence/extended leave etc.
You have many options and some of these will be informed by any precedent of what's been done at your school before, or maybe whether or not your school wants to set a precedent, if they haven't send out this kind of communication before. I suggest talking to your Head of School or Principal and finding out what they're comfortable with. If you regularly communicate with parents via email and you're happy to send something out about your situation, you could write it in your own voice, explain what you're going through in whatever 'tone' you're happy to use and let them know that you are happy for them to 'spread the word' in the school community so that you don't have to explain what's going on at every school drop-off.
This is an opportunity for you to control the dialogue. Kids will tell parents that you're not around and parents will wonder why - nip it all in the bud before people start talking about it and getting the information wrong. I've always found that being open, honest and transparent in school communication removes conjecture and rumour and that it's always better to be proactive rather than reactive with communication.
I'm so happy to look over a draft or help you write something if you need a hand - you're welcome to send me a private message any time.
Wishing you all the best,
Yvette xxx