St Edward’s Academy celebrate outstanding staff
St Edward’s Academy have been proudly celebrating the hard work and dedication of its support staff by hosting a moving ‘Stars in our Schools’ event. The concept is the dream-child of UNISON, the UK’s largest public service union. Peter Liddle (Havering UNISON Officer), regional UNISON leads and Councillor Michael Deon Burton (Deputy Mayor) joined staff members and students in the celebrations at St Edward’s Academy.
Students wrote hundreds of cards to thank support staff for their work in making St Edward’s such a wonderful community. Students also handmade mugs for the school’s 48 members of support staff. The mugs were personalised to include key words to describe the vital contribution that support staff make to the school. Emotions ran high as staff received such accolades. Sue El Hafidi, Wendy Thurston and Sue Wake (who make up the student services team at St Edward’s) were described on multiple occasions as “super heroes” by students. This title appeared largely on their handmade mugs. Wendy Thurston, who was also celebrating her birthday, was overjoyed to have been described as not only a “Super Hero” but also “like my second Mum”.
“I was absolutely overjoyed to commemorate the outstanding contribution that the support staff make to St Edward’s. Students, teachers and parents agree that our support staff make the lives of our children (and teachers) better every day. This event was particularly special to me as my own Mum (my inspiration in becoming a teacher) was a very valued member of support staff in a London secondary school for over 30 years. Without amazing support staff like ours, children’s lives would not be so enriched.”
Headteacher, Jodie Hassan
Jodie Hassan (Headteacher), Councillor Michael Deon Burton (Deputy Mayor) and representatives from UNISON with students
On Thursday 29th November the school was honoured to have Councillor Deon Burton (Havering Deputy Mayor) join students and teachers in celebrating the support staff in a touching celebration assembly. Staff were presented with their personalised mugs and students gave personal thanks for all of their enthusiasm, effort and commitment to providing students with an exceptional learning environment.
“I am so pleased and honoured to have been involved in such a wonderful event at St Edward’s Academy. The students are absolutely impeccable and a real credit to the school. To be able to join in the celebrations of the vital contribution made by support staff to St Edward’s was a real privilege. I look forward to returning very soon!”
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Michael Deon Burton
The catering team with their ‘thank you’ cards and gifts from the school
