 from Rev John Guest of St Margaret’s, Stanford-le-Hope, and the Balstonia Trust
Have you ever read the poster that says: “If you can read this, thank a teacher!”? A simple message but profoundly true. In my view, we don’t thank teachers enough. Without them we would not be the people we are, products of one of the finest education systems in the world. There are around 60 schools in our borough, so imagine how many teachers that is. And how many children too! I have had the privilege of working in some of them and of being involved with schools for over 35 years. My last two books were written exclusively for primary schools and I have the pleasure of speaking to large groups of school children several times a month.
For the last 15 years I have chaired a small group called THE BALSTONIA TRUST whose motto is: Building Bridges, Forging Friendships, Lighting Lamps. On Sunday 13 February 2011 in Hassenbrook School, Stanford le Hope, at 3pm we are hosting a SCHOOLS CELEBRATION for all the schools in the east end of the borough. This will be an opportunity to show off the talents of some of our local schools (music, drama, dance, singing, storytelling etc.) and say a really big THANK YOU to at least some of our teachers. You are welcome to come.
Wouldn’t you like to say thank you too? Let’s hear it for our schools! NORTH EAST CLUSTER SCHOOLS CELEBRATION |
Schools are facing some huge challenges in this current economic climate and, as usual, teachers are being asked to bear the brunt of that challenge, tackling new ways of working, huge pressures on their budgets, great expectation on their professional abilities and all the while striving to light the lamps of young ambition. I think teachers often get a raw deal and we don’t show them nearly enough appreciation in our community!
Three years back I returned to my old primary school where I first learned my ABC nearly 50 years ago. I also had the rare chance to thank some of my teachers. I thank God for all the people He provided in my life to help me grow.