Portsmouth pupils say thanks to tremendous teachers

Pupils and parents have been asked to nominate their school or teacher for a big thank you and to reveal what they did to go above and beyond the call of duty during the pandemic

With most pupils unable to study in school since March, teachers have been having to find new and innovative ways to teach their students at home, as well as supporting vulnerable children and the children of other key workers who have stayed in school.

Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for education, Cllr Suzy Horton, said: ‘The city's schools and teachers have been on the front line from the very beginning of the pandemic. The energetic commitment they have shown in this crisis has made a fantastic difference to the welfare and education of Portsmouth's children, young people and their families.

‘We want to shine a light on their incredible work in recent months by asking the families they've been supporting to visit the website, share their experiences and say a big thank you.’

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One person whose efforts have already been recognised is Medina Primary School headteacher, Howard Payne.

One parent said: ‘Both my children have been attending school as I'm a key worker feeding children in schools. Mr Payne and his staff have been amazing in creating a routine for the children. They have been having fun and have been very creative.

‘My Payne has set a daily challenge for my son as they are both massive football fans and have to come up with football related quiz questions each day.

‘Medina has been amazing. The day before lockdown all the children donated food for the local food bank. Thank you to Mr Payne and all his staff that have kept the school open in this hard time. He is a true inspiration.’

Staff at Arundel Court primary School have also been recognised for their ‘I’ll be There For You’ video which provided children with a ‘real boost’ during lockdown.

Messages can be left on the Teach Portsmouth website.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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