Award chance for caretakers

Feb 29 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

THE people responsible for keeping our schools running could find themselves rewarded in the North East Schools Awards.

The awards are run by The Journal in association with main sponsors Northumbrian Water and our sister paper on Teesside, the Evening Gazette.

And along with prizes for teachers, headteachers and other school staff, there is also a gong for the Caretaker of the Year.

Last year John Armstrong, 64, of Kenton Bar Primary School in Newcastle, won the prize, and he said it was a welcome boost for the school community ahead of his retirement at the end of next term.

He said: “It was a complete surprise when I was told I had been nominated and of course it felt good, especially as in my time here I have seen lots of kids grow up. But it was a bit overwhelming too, because I just get on with the job and felt a bit shy to be made centre of attention.”

John oversees all of Kenton Bar Primary’s security and maintenance and has been in post for 14 years.

He said: “It was a reward for the whole school really.”

John won one of five individual awards, all of which are up for grabs again this year, with the other prizes being for inspirational secondary school teacher, inspirational primary school teacher of the year, school support staff of the year and headteacher of the year.

Nominees are also being sought for project awards including the school newspaper award, the environment award, the healthy living award, the sustainable school award and the active community award.

John said: “I think these award schemes that recognise everything that goes on in schools today are a good idea because the nominations reflect on the whole school community and give everyone a boost.”

The closing date for entries is March 14. For information visit www.journallive.co.uk/schoolsawards or contact Claire Evans on (0191) 201-6089.