BLOG: Alan David Pritchard, Blog 3 - a thank you letter to Glebelands County Primary School

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Usually, on these blogs, we like to share with the world the wonderful feedback we get from pupils and teachers who have experienced our events.  However, for this blog, it gives me great pleasure to reverse this trend and to publicly acknowledge my gratitude to the lovely staff at a rather special school near Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Dear Staff of Glebelands Primary School

When I arrived at your school on Monday morning, I was aware that a high proportion of my audience would most likely prefer to be in their classrooms getting ready for the term ahead than actually being seated in the hall for not one, but two days of training. So I was expecting a mixed reaction to my presence and I knew that there would be those whose body language and demeanour would convey their desire to be elsewhere.
As you all trickled into the hall, and the usual gossiping about the holidays and the catching up of news began to percolate around the room, I braced myself for what could be a challenging two days.
Yet, as soon as I began the training, and I looked around at you all, I noticed something utterly refreshing. Everyone there was smiling. And as the day progressed, and you eased into my style and the content, an air of light-heartedness and enjoyment pervaded what we were doing. I noticed in your enthusiasm and your eyes, that here was a staff who enjoyed working together, who were eager for new ideas – not because your own were tired or stale, but because you relished the opportunity to present captivating and effecting techniques to your pupils.
I have rarely encountered such a cohesive staff who are clearly passionate about their profession and truly committed to providing the best education for the children they teach.
In addition, you made me feel really at home, and your sense of enjoyment and pleasure was rivetingly evident in the amount of laughter generated and the obvious fun you were having.
Never before have teachers on my courses invited me for a walk around their town afterwards, or for dinner in the evening. In fact, I can categorically state that this was a first for me. And what a delightful surprise and pleasure it was.
To everyone at your school, may I say a huge thank you for your hospitality, for your unbridled enthusiasm and for making the delivery of my courses there such unadulterated fun. I will re-iterate to the Acting Head – you are so lucky to have such a diverse but totally passionate staff who clearly enjoy their jobs and who are genuinely lovely, lovely people.

I wish you all a fabulous term ahead, and may you continue the brilliant work you are obviously doing.

With much warm and affection

Alan David Pritchard