Children, parents and guardians thank dedicated Oxfordshire teachers and support staff
Pupils, parents and guardians have been showering teachers and support staff with praise, thanking them for their dedication during the pandemic.
To coincide with the national Thank a Teacher Day, 23 June 2021, Oxfordshire County Council asked for messages of appreciation for teaching and support staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide lessons and resources, in many cases remotely, during the past year.
The council is publishing some of the tributes on its website and sharing on social media, using the hashtag #ThankATeacher
Here are just a few of the touching comments (in full or as extracts):
St Andrew's Church of England Primary School, Headington (from a parent):
“Big thank you to all our wonderful teachers. And a big thank you to all school support staff – including head teacher, administration and assistants – who have worked so hard to make everything tick during these difficult times.”
New Hinksey CE Primary School, Oxford (from a parent):
“Fantastic support from all of the school’s teachers, teaching assistants, and after school helpers (especially Mark, Michelle and Rachel) throughout the pandemic and now. You are all stars. Thank you.”
Endeavour Academy, Headington (an extract from a parent’s thank you):
“Nicole Burgos and the other teachers’ dedication over the pandemic when everything was shut was extraordinary. The school was never closed. Children with such a severe level of autism present extremely challenging behaviour and both they and their families would have been in very difficult circumstances had the school not remained open. Nicole also helps at Endeavour’s residential unit in the holidays and the children love to see her...”
Glory Farm School, Bicester (from a pupil, with acrostic poem):
“I would like to thank Mrs Gilday for being my amazing year five teacher and supporting me when I've needed it over the past year.”
M My teacher
R Really good
S Smiley
G Great at teaching
I Inspires me
L Likes a hot drink
D Dream teacher
A Always fun
Y Yes, she's brilliant.
Eynsham Primary School, Witney (from a parent):
“We can't thank the team at Eynsham Primary School enough for their care and enthusiasm for their vocation throughout the pandemic, home-schooling and beyond. We really feel, palpably, their affection they have for our children and how very seriously they take the job of supporting the learning and development of all the children. School is always somewhere the children want to be, and that speaks volumes.”
Long Furlong Primary School, Abingdon (some children expressing their appreciation to teachers through artwork – example at the bottom of this story – with parents also offering praise):
“Miss Willetts, there is not a big enough word to thank you for your incredible support, dedication and knowledge this year. The memories you and Miss Markey have created for the reception class will last forever. We are so grateful to both of you for creating a safe, comfortable and caring environment in which the children are genuinely eager to return to after every break! ”
Wantage CE Primary School (from a pupil):
“Thank you to Miss Handford for helping me learn… especially during home-schooling!”
Willowcroft Community School, Didcot (pupil’s poem, dedicated to their teacher):
Miss Woodley poem
I love Miss Woodley,
She teaches me very good-ley,
She helps me every day,
When I'm working and when I play,
Miss Woodley you're the best,
I think you need a rest.
Didcot Girls’ School (from a pupil):
“… the teachers joined every lesson with a smile and a good morning/good afternoon. That is why I would like to thank all the teachers on this day. They are always putting their all into lessons even if they haven't had the best day. Thank you teachers!”
Uffington CoE Primary School, Faringdon (from a pupil, with accompanying artwork, shown at the bottom of this story):
“Thank you Mrs Moore for being a really fun and smart teacher. I want to be a teacher just like you when I’m an adult.”
St Mary’s School, Chipping Norton (parent’s tribute to her son’s teacher, also presented as a graphic/artwork, shown at the bottom of this story):
“Thank you to Miss Elwyn and all the other amazing staff. Her kindness, compassion and encouragement towards my son during what was an extremely difficult time for our family will always be remembered….”
Trinity CE Primary School, Henley on Thames (pupil’s acrostic poem, written within artwork, shown at the bottom of this story):
M Ms Mizen is the best teacher,
S She plays games with us,
M My favourite thing to learn is writing,
I I love Miss Mizen,
Z Zooms us into learning,
E Everything she does is fun,
N Nice and friendly, she is always kind.
Sonning Common Primary School (from a parent):
“To all staff: what an amazing job you did during the pandemic, thank you. Difficult times, but you worked your magic to continue our children's learning journey.”
Woodcote Primary School (from a parent):
“… You teach them maths, English and much more, but most of all the lesson of kindness and care puts them in an amazing position for the big world out there…”
Cllr Liz Brighouse, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Youth Services, said: “Our incredible, dedicated and talented teachers and support staff deserve every piece of praise and more; and I’d like to add my appreciation and thanks. They work tirelessly in delivering education and assistance to pupils throughout the county.
“These tributes reflect the appreciation of many of your pupils, their parents, and headteachers.
“There are hundreds of other Oxfordshire teachers and support staff who deserve equal recognition for their professionalism, creativity and commitment, particularly during this difficult time. Thank you to every one of you.”
Oxford University Hospitals: Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bruno Holthof; and Chair Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery (a thank you to all Oxfordshire’s teachers and support staff):
“… We want you to know just how much we value what you have done for the children of our staff here at Oxford University Hospitals, other NHS and care staff, and key workers throughout Oxfordshire. Thanks to your strength and resilience, we have been able to fight COVID-19 and care for our patients. Our staff could continue to work knowing that their children’s education was in safe hands.”