TEACHERS and support staff admitted being stunned and humbled after receiving "heartfelt" messages thanking them for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Parents and students posted their appreciation on Tendring Technology College's Wall of Thanks page, as part of national Thank a Teacher Day.

The initiative encourages families to pass on their gratitude to teaching staff for their help and support during the pandemic, during which schools are shut and students working at home.

Principal Michael Muldoon said: "The response to Thank a Teacher Day has been truly remarkable and we are so grateful for the heartfelt messages of thanks that have been posted.

"We are absolutely doing our very best at TTC to support our pupils, parents and community at this time.

"To learn that by staying open for the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils, by providing engaging and interactive online learning, by collecting and distributing food parcels and by being here to help and support is so appreciated and very humbling.

"I would like to add my own thanks to all teachers and support staff at TTC."

Thank a Teacher Day was held nationally on Wednesday and dozens of heartfelt messages were posted on the TTC message board.

One message said: "Thank you to the teachers who have kept in touch and engaged with my child and to the support staff who have kept the college open for children of key workers.

"Every one of you has been amazing and, as a parent, I feel incredibly lucky to have sent my children to TTC, past and present."

Another message said: "Thank you so much to all teachers, support staff and everyone ‘behind the scenes’ keeping the school open and caring for those who need it.

"Special thanks to Year Seven staff doing all they can to engage our children in very different and difficult circumstances."

The parent of a Year Six student wrote: "A huge thank you to all the staff who have helped and taught my son, Ben, through his time in Sixth Form and equally his time throughout his years at TTC.

"It’s not quite the outcome to the end of his school years that we all hoped for but I’m truly proud of all his achievements and that is all down to your teaching."

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