PUPILS, parents and school heads have been showering teachers and support staff with praise for their ongoing dedication during the coronavirus pandemic.

To mark National Thank A Teacher Day today, Oxfordshire County Council asked for messages of appreciation for teaching and support staff who are working tirelessly.

Staff are providing lessons and resources remotely as well as continuing to run classrooms for pupils of frontline workers.

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The council is now publishing some of the tributes on its website and sharing them on social media, using the hashtag #ThankATeacher

Teachers and support staff have been called ‘ace’, ‘fab’, ‘superheroes’, and ‘wonderful’.

A Bicester family said: “The care and support of our children at The Bicester School, led by Liz Metcalf, has been outstanding.

Oxford Mail:

“Every child is kept firmly in mind and encouraged to attend school where possible with creative and innovative activities to engage in learning and keeping safe.”

Heyford Park School is preparing future pupils.

Another tribute says: “[Thank you to] school leaders who are sharing videos from subject teachers for new pupils due to join in September.

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"They are also planning a ‘virtual tour’ of the building when they can access it."

St Barnabas’ CofE Primary School in Oxford was praised by a family doing home-schooling.

They said: “A big thank you from our household for the excellent way St Barnabas’ have helped to normalise the home-school experience in this family, and many others I’m sure, and managed to make it feel that, however much the children miss school (and they really do), they are not disconnected from it, and they are still learning.”

Another parent was grateful for South Stoke Primary School near Wallingford taking the time to check up on families during the pandemic including the head teacher, Miss Rogers.

They said: “I am very much in debt for the support and help from all teachers. Having received a phone call from Miss Wadsworth, emails from Miss T and of course the great support that you Miss Rogers have given concerning my family’s welfare and any difficulties that we have had with home learning.”

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County councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, cabinet member for education and cultural services, said: “I’d like to add my thanks and appreciation to Oxfordshire’s incredible, dedicated and talented teachers and support staff, who tirelessly deliver education and assistance to pupils throughout the county.

“These tributes reflect the appreciation of many of your pupils, their parents, and headteachers.

“It goes without saying that there are hundreds of other Oxfordshire teachers and support staff who deserve equal recognition for their professionalism and commitment, particularly during this difficult time. Thank you to every one of you.”