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Pretend Headteacher

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Elaine described herself as a “pretend Head teacher” but as I was soon to discover that is anything but true. Elaine is the Acting Headteacher at Twynyrodyn Community School in Merthyr Tydfil and I was there to present them with their Investors in Families Award and their Green Flag.

First up it was into the school hall to meet all 300 of the pupils who were gathered together in silence as I entered with Elaine and Mark one of our CCfW volunteers. Two of the children introduced me and I recognised them straight away having met them a little while ago in the Senedd. I remember them well because on that occasion they asked for my autograph - not something that happens to me everyday of the week - so it was great to see them again. After a short speech from me the children sang us songs and then it was photo time as I presented both awards to the children.

Bob from Media Wales was the photographer. He ominously asked me how good my knees were. They were fine before he made me kneel down on a hard floor for photos with all the children! All the children were great and are clearly looking forward to seeing their picture in the local paper.

As part of my input I asked the pupils if they would like to join the Children’s Commissioner for Wales as an Ambassador School. The biggest cheer of the afternoon signaled to me that they were very keen indeed to maintain a link with me and in discussion with some of them it was also obvious that they knew about children’s rights. Indeed the Investors in Families Award signals that the school takes an inclusive approach that fosters respect between children, young people and adults. I felt very pleased and honored that such a welcoming school that has already achieved so much wanted to become an Ambassador School. Mark has taken on the job of liaising with Elaine further about how to get the Ambassador programme up and running in Twynyrodyn.

You know it never fails to amaze me how much enthusiasm there is in children. Even the really little ones today, sitting very neatly in a row in the front of the hall, joined in with the songs and clapped and cheered in all the right places. Some found the excitement too much and struggled to stay awake. The capacity small children have to fall asleep on a sixpence is great but so too is the capacity of some very attentive staff who spotted the sleepy heads and sprang into action.

As we left the sun was shining and the children all ran outside for some extended play time. Reward indeed.

What a great school!

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