Stars at Pil Primary, Pyle, photo credit: Laura Doel
Youngsters throughout Bridgend have showed off their creative skills to honour the unsung heroes of their schools.
UNISON in Bridgend launched a poster competition as part of its Stars in Our Schools initiative. Pupils were encouraged to draw pictures of their favourite support staff and give reasons to why they were chosen.
Stars in Our Schools is an annual celebration of school support staff, aimed at highlighting the outstanding contribution they make to their schools and the education of our children. Teaching assistants, admin staff, cooks, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors and caretakers were among those who were honoured.
Pupils from St Mary’s and St Patricks in Maesteg and Pil Primary, Pyle were among the winners chosen by a panel of judges from UNISON and Bridgend County Borough Council.
Winners at St Mary’s and St Patrick’s RC Primary were Scarlet Walsh, Amira Barry, Tianna Little, Bronwen Davis, Jonah Kelly Fisher and Iestyn Jarrett. Chloe Thomas and Evie Orchard were the winners from Pil Primary.
Stars at St Mary’s and St Patrick’s, Maesteg, photo credit: Laura Doel
Lynne Hackett, UNISON regional organiser said,
“UNISON’s Stars in our Schools day highlights the wonderful work of all school support staff. The enthusiasm the children showed painting their favourite member of staff illustrates the warmth and esteem support staff are held in. Every single member of staff works hard to make the schools the success they are and UNISON is dedicated to campaigning for fair wages and employment conditions for them all.”
Awards ceremonies were held at both schools, with guests including Huw Irranca Davies AM, BCBC Leader Huw David, Cabinet member for Education and Regeneration Cllr Charles Smith, Cllr Ross Penhale-Thomas, Maesteg Town Mayor Cllr Lynne Beedle, Cabinet member for Social Services and Early Help Cllr Philip White and Corporate Director of Education and Family Support at BCBC Lindsay Harvey.
Each of the winners received an art set and outdoor play equipment for their schools.
The overall support staff star awards went to Miss Hearne at Pil Primary and Mrs Davies at St Mary’s and St Patricks. Support staff members at each school were also presented with UNISON goodie bags and a cake.
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Press Officer on 07816 53 83 97