We can all remember our favourite teacher. I can mine.
Not that long ago, I had a call to say somebody was in reception and wanted to speak to me.
The mystery guest turned around and there he was, the person who inspired my love of geography.
He brought the subject to life and made it really interesting. I went on to read the subject at university and taught it, alongside PE. I have a lot to thank him for.
It had been 25 years since he had taught me. He was in the academy representing an exam board and had seen my name and face on the staff noticeboard in reception.
It was terrific to see him and thank him for his positive impact on my life.
I mention it because tomorrow (26th May) is National Thank a Teacher Day.
The day is not just about teachers, but also recognises the important contributions made by support staff.
I would like to take the opportunity of sending one big thank you to all my staff at the academy. They work incredibly hard, inspire children daily, and don’t always get the praise they deserve.
You can show your appreciation of anybody at the Academy by sending a digital card found here.
It will mean a lot to those who receive one because we all like praise, young and old.
This brings me nicely on to our next rewards trip on Friday during the last afternoon of a busy half term.
We have a great relationship with The Vue and all Years 7, 8, and 9 – who have produced the required work rate and shown the right attitude to learning – will enjoy a free trip to the cinema.
It is our way of saying ‘well done’ and ‘thank you’ to those 450-plus children.
We have a professional photographer in school today who will use a drone and more conventional equipment to capture the Academy and enable us to update promotional materials. I hope all the students look super smart.
Sports day is looming on the horizon. It is due to take place on Monday, 27th June, at Quibell Park for the first time in three years.
That means it will be a competitive debut for some of our students and our hope is they enjoy it. It is a day of learning, and we expect all our young people to be part of it. More information will be released nearer the day.
It is the time for appeals from Year 6 who would like to come here but have not been offered a place.
It is sad to see so many disappointed faces and we have been working with North Lincolnshire Council to formally increase our intake by 15 to 165 from September.
Building works, that are due to start, will improve facilities and increase capacity.
I am delighted that, for the first time in the Academy’s history, we will have a dedicated library as part of the improvements.
Reading is one of the most important things children can do in their educational journey. It will open all sorts of gateways and opportunities in later life.
The new learning space will be central to what we do and a hub for children to develop their love of reading.
We are grateful to our positive relationship with the local authority which has enabled these massive improvements to the learning environment.
Finally, I wish you all a great break next week. Get outside, enjoy the weather, and have plenty of fresh air. We all deserve it.
