Headteacher 'lost for words' following thank you effort led by Hartlepool nurse
A headteacher says he was ‘lost for words’ after Hartlepool nurse led effort by parents to say thank you to teachers during the third lockdown.
Andrea Collier collected donations from fellow Year 5 parents at Throston Primary School to thank the teachers for their amazing efforts online and in the classroom during the pandemic.
As a key worker herself, Andrea – who is mum to Will, age nine, and Joe, 17 – was among thousands of parents in the country who sent their children to school during the third lockdown so she could go off to work to help others in her job as a nurse.
And recognising the ‘amazing effort’ school teachers were putting in to care for and teach children during such a difficult period, the 44-year-old mum decided she had to do something to say thank you.
Andrea said: “I wanted to give something back to say thank you for everything they’ve done. Teachers don’t seem to be recognised for their efforts as much as doctors, nurses and the NHS and they do deserve recognition for everything they’re doing.
"I was able to keep my son at home during the first lockdown but as my partner was also back to work during this lockdown I’ve had to send him to school and they’ve been brilliant.”
Organising a fundraiser with fellow Year 5 parents, the group raised £245 which went towards flowers by A Secret Garden for teachers and teaching assistants in Year 5 classes 12 and 13 as well as 35 boxes of cupcakes with the school emblem made by Cakealicious by Sam – with both the florists and bakery offering reduced prices.
Headteacher Mark Atkinson, who was also gifted an engraved pen as a thank you, said: “It is not very often that I'm lost for words, but I have been left totally speechless by the generosity shown by Year 5 parents and carers.
“This is such a lovely surprise, and very much appreciated by all staff who are doing their best, to deliver the best education they can in these strange times.
"Thank you just not seem enough, we are truly overwhelmed, tearful and very grateful. We are just doing our job, and it is a privilege to have such a job.”