Calling Portsmouth's families! Thank a school superhero
If you know someone who has gone above and beyond for your family and works in a city school, Teach Portsmouth are calling on parents and carers to give a big collective thank you.
We want to hear your inspiring words about school staff who have made a real difference to the lives of you and your children by sharing your thanks with us. Your child may have recieved one to one support from an incredible teaching assistant or a head teacher who has provided strong leadership during challenging times.
Anyone in a school can be recognised for their efforts to support children and young people in Portsmouth's schools. Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"Schools in the city do an immense job to support families, taking on responsibilities that often go above and beyond the call of duty. Those who work in schools have a special place in people's hearts and we want to capture that.
Councillor Suzy Horton
"Over the years, we have asked families to nominate a teacher, but this year, we're going even bigger, by asking Portsmouth's community to give a collective round of applause to school staff by thanking them. From receptionists to school governors, everyone can be recognised for their contribution, in a way that involves the whole family coming together to say thanks."
There is no restriction on who can be thanked. It is recommended that whoever is chosen is still working at the school - so the thank you message can reach them.
To share your special words, an online form has been added to the Teach Portsmouth website where families can thank a school superhero. Once the deadline for all thankyou messages have passed, they will be collated and sent to schools in a special printed document to be displayed on noticeboards for all to see. Mike Stoneman, deputy director, education at Portsmouth City Council said:
"There are 62 schools in Portsmouth with staff who have provided essential support. While saying thank you is a simple gesture, it can give someone a real boost on days that are more challenging.
Mike Stoneman
"This activity is part of our ongoing work to support recruitment and retention through the Portsmouth Education Partnership, promoting initiatives that provide the tools people need to train or sign post resources to progress in their career. I can't wait to see the special messages we receive from families soon."
Due to the space available on the printed document, thank you messages are limited to 100 words only. While an individual person must be named, teams can be highlighted in the thank you message.
Thank a school superhero
Teach Portsmouth's 'thank a school superhero' initiative is now open for families to enter. The deadline for all thankyou messages is Wednesday 14 February 2024.
Callum Murphy