As our way of saying a great big thank you for the hard work you do as teachers, in the run up to Christmas Rayburn Tours ran a competition to win the ultimate staffroom Christmas party. For many of us the holidays bring a much needed break and chance to let our hair down, and we wanted to help ensure that the festive period went off with a bang for one lucky school!
Parkside Community School were randomly selected as the competition winners and on the last day of term, members of the Rayburn Tours Team, Nicky and Megan, eagerly headed to the school to present them with their fantastic prize.
#partyatparkside
On arriving at Parkside, we were greeted by inquisitive students all keen to know who we were and why we were traipsing to and from the staffroom with food platters, crates of drinks and decorations. A number of students volunteered themselves to help, opening doors for us, helping carry the party essentials and making us feel very welcome. Parkside students, you are a credit to your school!
The teachers’ excitement was palpable too… no one more so than competition winner Mr Geoff Dearman! It was wonderful to see so many teachers come to take part in the celebrations with the leadership team, teachers and support staff all coming together to start their Christmas celebrations in style. Having wished the students a Merry Christmas and completed a successful year, it was time for Parkside staff to let their hair down and enjoy some general merriment.
The power of education
2018 has been a particularly busy year for Parkside as the school appointed a new Head Teacher, Mr Ben Riggott, who took on the role permanently this October. Mr Riggott’s focus since taking on the headship has been on ‘values, integrity and belief in the power of education to improve people’s lives’. Whilst we may only have been at Parkside for a short time, we recognised the energy and commitment the staff at Parkside put into helping students to achieve. Not only educating, but helping to shape who students are as people.
As is the case with many schools up and down the UK, finances are a major challenge, which is why we were so delighted to have been able to help staff at Parkside to enjoy a much deserved Christmas party, which may not otherwise have been a possibility.
Impacting lives positively
The day ended with a quick trip to Grace Chapel food bank to donate food and help give a little something to those less fortunate. Grace Chapel is committed to impacting lives positively and a part of what they do is to provide emergency food supplies, making a real difference in the lives of local people in crisis.
After our visits to Parkside Community School and Grace Chapel, we came away with the humbling feeling of having helped to make a small difference to how staff at Parkside and those relying on Grace Chapel food bank began Christmas.
Wishing all at Parkside and teachers across the UK and beyond a very Happy New Year!