Thank you St Aloysius School

Headteacher is in awe of the dedication of his staff towards pupils and the community

Staff at St Aloysius School Hebburn, have been keeping pupils entertained and up-to-date with learning, whilst looking after the wider community with over 9000 meals sent out to school and parish families and those who are self-isolating in Hebburn.

St Aloysius staff have been nominated by headteacher, Nick Conway.

Nick, 45, said: “When I sit and reflect upon the amazing work that staff have done during this difficult time, I am extremely proud. Our priority, first and foremost, has been to ensure the wellbeing of our pupils and their education. Staff have sent out home learning packs, provided regular website updates, delivered stationary and Ipads for those who would otherwise be unable to access work and we have provided financial support and food parcels for families who are most in need. There is also child care for a core minority of critical workers."

“Our aim has been to keep things light hearted for our pupils, many of whom find it worrying to be out of routine. Staff have made over 8,000 phone calls to all of our children and sorted out free school meals vouchers, created risk assessments and partaken in virtual meetings."

“We have an extremely close relationship with all of our families, including grandparents and we have sent cards and flowers to those who are self-isolating and in May we made and delivered 120 afternoon teas."

“Since the start of the pandemic, volunteers working in our kitchens have made over 9000 meals which we have sent out to school and parish families and those who are self-isolating in the local Hebburn community and our wider Diocesan family. We are working in partnership with Hebburn Helps foodbank and Bishop Chadwick Multi Academy Trust to arrange for food parcels to accompany these meals. Currently, we are supporting 120 local families and single people, weekly. Volunteer staff, governors and friends of the school have been brilliant as they continue to assist this work."

“On Friday 8 May we released a song called ‘We’ll Meet Again’ which we made in conjunction with a variety of local schools. The song was played on various local radio stations which was exciting for pupils and staff alike. Until the day we all meet again, staff at St Aloysius will continue their great efforts to support pupils and the wider community,”

The Mayor of South Tyneside Councillor Norman Dick, said: “On behalf of the people of South Tyneside, The Mayoress and I would like to convey our gratitude to you for making sure that pupils, their families and the wider Hebburn community is cared for during the pandemic."

“I feel that South Tyneside has joined together, more than ever, as a community and as the Borough’s First Citizen, I would like to say a huge personal thank you for being part of our community and for helping us to address this challenge in an extremely positive way. We are extremely #proud.”