Portsmouth school thanks classroom superheroes
"Thank you" was the word used by pupils at a Portsmouth school who have celebrated the launch of an initiative to recognise their classroom superheroes. Pupils at Meon Way Federation hosted a special launch event in support of school staff who have gone above and beyond for them.
The 'thank a school superhero' scheme asks people who live in Portsmouth to say thank you to anyone who works in a primary or secondary school.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education alongside Mike Stoneman, deputy director, education at Portsmouth City Council joined in on the celebrations with executive head, Sara Paine.
"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've gone even bigger, by asking Portsmouth's community to give a collective round of applause for school staff by thanking them. From receptionists to school governors, everyone can be recognised for their contribution, in a way that involves the whole community coming together to say thank you."
An online form has been added to the Teach Portsmouth website where people can write a short message for a school superhero. Alternatively, schools have been supplied with special thank you postcards which are located inside receptions for parents and carers to complete.
There is no restriction on who can be thanked. However, it is recommended that whoever is chosen still works at the school - so their message can reach them.
Sara Paine, executive head teacher at Meon Way Federation hosted the event. She welcomed the scheme as a way for parents, carers and their children to come together and say thank you. Sara said:
"It was fantastic to be part of the launch of the thank a school superhero campaign. Our children and their parents and carers are fully behind it to show appreciation for all our incredible staff.
Sara Paine
"The children have told me how amazing their teachers and support assistants are, thanking them for all they do. This is a huge gesture and one which will really make a difference!"
The deadline for thank you messages is Wednesday 14 February. After this time, messages will be collated and sent to schools on a special printed document to be displayed on noticeboards for all to see in June 2024.
"There are many schools in Portsmouth with staff and volunteers who provide essential support. While saying thank you is a simple gesture, it can give someone a real boost on days that are more challenging.
"This activity is part of our ongoing work to support recruitment and retention through the Portsmouth Education Partnership. I can't wait to see the special messages we receive from families."
Mike Stoneman
Tell us about your school superheroes
If you know someone who has gone above and beyond for you in a primary or secondary school, we want to know. Visit the thank a school superhero page and share your thank you message with us.
Callum Murphy