Parents and students share their thanks for the efforts of our teachers and principals
From chocolates and other treats to chalk messages of support, parents and students are letting our principals, teachers and other school staff know just how much they are appreciated.
East, Inner Suburbs & Hills
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Students and parents across Adelaide are showing their appreciation for teachers who, despite the COVID-19 global pandemic, are still showing up to work every day and doing what they do best – educating and supporting our children.
From chocolates and other sweets to supportive chalk messages written on footpaths, the gratitude being shown to all staff in our schools could not be more evident.
Some parents of students at Edwardstown Primary School have created a tab at The Little Fig Cafe in Melrose Park, for teachers to grab a morning coffee.
Plus it has the dual benefit of supporting a local business.
Year 2 teacher Alexandra Yin said the gesture made staff feel supported by parents.
“It highlighted how grateful they are of all the extra work we’ve put in the past few weeks,” Mrs Yin said.
“It really boosted staff moral when many of us are, too, worrying about having our kids at school or in childcare.
“It was so nice for the students to see a real example of kindness at this time.”
Over at St Anthony’s Primary School in Edwardstown, student Alistair Larsen wanted to show his appreciation for his Year 6 teacher, Harry Georgiou.
“I gave Mr Georgiou a box of chocolates because he is doing a very good job at keeping everyone safe in this tough time,” the 11-year-old said.
“Also it is a nice thing to do and I think we should all help out in tough times like this.”
Mr Georgiou described the gesture as “heart warming”.
“Knowing the students value our support during this difficult time motivates us to keep going, even when it seems the whole world is crumbling around us,” Mr Georgiou said.
“We have been trying to get the message across to students about spreading love, joy and happiness during this time, instead of negativity, so it’s been amazing to see students take on that in their own unique way.”
Last week, students Joshua, Cohen and Flynn decided to spread the Easter cheer among Christies Beach Primary staff with hot cross buns and chocolate eggs.
With the help of their mum, Tara Muller, they delivered the box of goodies to their teachers.
“We decided to give the staff a special treat as we adore our teachers and other staff,” Ms Muller said.
“They are on the frontline along with nurses, doctors and emergency personnel but don’t get the same credit.
“We wanted to show them we, as a family, appreciate them and all the effort they have gone to to support online learning, our children’s mental health during this time and just their overall support to our school community.”
To thank all the hardworking staff at Blackfriars Priory School, its Parents and Friends Association surprised the teachers with coffees, cupcakes and Easter eggs on Friday, March 27.
“A coffee and cake is nowhere near enough to properly thank Blackfriars staff for all the hard work they’ve been doing to support our sons in these uncertain times, but we hope it made them smile,” Parents and Friends president Catherine Morkunas said.
Fiona Weckert and her children Elijah, 6, and Elanora, 4, surprised Allenby Gardens Primary staff with a chalk message at the entrance to the school’s staffroom.
Over the weekend, they made their own chalk paint at home and spent Sunday afternoon (March 29) spreading their message of gratitude across the concrete.
Deputy principal El Mastrangelo said it was a lovely surprise to see, first thing on a Monday morning.
“It was such a nice gesture of support, we felt seen and heard by the community,” she said.
“It has been a challenging time for educators and to know we have the Allenby Gardens families backing us makes all the difference to us.
“It brought a smile to many faces.”
The parents and friends of Semaphore Dominican School in Semaphore thanked the supportive staff members by treating them to a pizza lunch on Monday, March 30.
Parent Chloe Ann Hamilton put her baker’s hat on and whipped up some ‘toilet paper’ themed cupcakes, which put a smile on the teachers’ faces.
“Semaphore Dominican school have been amazing,” Ms Hamilton said.
“We are so grateful for the teachers and staff giving the kids (and us parents) normality during this crazy time.”
“The teachers were so grateful and loved the cupcakes. It brought a giggle to their day.”