A hand-crafted card to say thank you: Key worker pupils at Harriers Academy & parents show appreciation to staff

Key worker pupils at Harriers Academy produced hand-crafted cards for staff to show their gratitude and appreciation on Thank A Teacher Day, today (Weds).

Their efforts were matched by pupils, parents, guardians, and school heads across Banburyshire who showered teachers and support staff with praise, thanking them for their dedication during the coronavirus pandemic.

Oxfordshire County Council released messages of appreciation for teaching and support staff, who are working tirelessly to provide lessons and resources remotely, whilst continuing to run classrooms for pupils of frontline workers.

The council is publishing some of the tributes on its website and sharing on social media, using the hashtag #ThankATeacher.

Teachers and support staff are referred to as ace, fab, superheroes, and wonderful.

Children of key workers and those classed as vulnerable at Harriers Academy spent the day making hand-crafted signs thanking staff. Several parents from the same school submitted comments of appreciation.

One Harriers Academy parent, Gemma Barton, said: “Thank you to the team for a brilliant response to this situation; the communication, the offer of packed lunches for those who get free school meal places, the great teaching packs and staying open.

“Such a positive response. Thank you. I’m so impressed and appreciative of all your efforts.”

Another Harriers Academy parent, Tracey Owen, said: “I just wanted to say a big thank you to you guys and all your staff. You are doing an amazing job in difficult times.

“If there is anything I can do to help please shout. Hope you and your families are all coping.”

The executive principal of Harriers Academy, Alex Pearson, told the Banbury Guardian: “Harriers has remained open throughout the lockdown for children of key workers and for vulnerable children.

“As part of today’s activities, our children took a moment to celebrate the wonderful team of people helping to keep them safe and well through these challenging times… this includes some very special teachers plus teaching assistants, office colleagues, cleaners, catering staff and our caretaker too.

“It really is a fantastic team and the children were excited to have the chance to say thank you.”