Chipping Norton parent among tributes paid to teachers as part of National Thank a Teacher Day

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

To coincide with the national Thank a Teacher Day, 23 June 2021, 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.

The council published a series of tributes on its website and sharing on social media, using the hashtag #ThankATeacher.

A parent's tribute to her son's teacher - Miss Elwyn - from the Chipping Norton primary school, St Mary's, were among those tributes.

The parent from St Mary’s School Chipping Norton, said: “Thank you to Miss Elwyn and all the other amazing staff. Her kindness, compassion and encouragement towards my son during what was an extremely difficult time for our family will always be remembered….”

Cllr Liz Brighouse, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and youth services, said: “Our incredible, dedicated and talented teachers and support staff deserve every piece of praise and more; and I’d like to add my appreciation and thanks. They work tirelessly in delivering education and assistance to pupils throughout the county.

“These tributes reflect the appreciation of many of your pupils, their parents, and headteachers.

“There are hundreds of other Oxfordshire teachers and support staff who deserve equal recognition for their professionalism, creativity and commitment, particularly during this difficult time. Thank you to every one of you.”

A joint tribute from Oxford University Hospitals: Chief Executive Officer Dr Bruno Holthof and Chair Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery said: “… We want you to know just how much we value what you have done for the children of our staff here at Oxford University Hospitals, other NHS and care staff, and key workers throughout Oxfordshire.

"Thanks to your strength and resilience, we have been able to fight COVID-19 and care for our patients. Our staff could continue to work knowing that their children’s education was in safe hands.”

To read the other tributes outside the Banbury area see the Oxfordshire County Council website here: https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/thank-a-teacher/