Pupils, parents and guardians have been showering teachers and support staff with praise, thanking them for their dedication during the pandemic.

To coincide with national Thank a Teacher Day today, 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.

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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:

  • Parent from St Andrew's Church of England Primary School, Headington:

“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.” 

Parent from New Hinksey CE Primary School, Oxford: “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.”

  • Parent from Endeavour Academy, Headington:

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“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."

  • Pupil from Glory Farm School, Bicester:

“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.

Oxford Mail:

  • Pupil from Wantage CE Primary School:

“Thank you to Miss Handford for helping me learn… especially during home-schooling."

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  • A poem from a pupil at Willowcroft Community School, Didcot:

"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."

Oxford Mail:

  • Pupil from Didcot Girls’ School:

"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."

  • Pupil from Uffington CE Primary School, Faringdon:

“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.”

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