Year 3 pupils at Ysgol Pen Y Garth are on a mission to fundraise money for Barnardos, in a bid to support their teacher who will be leaving the school to work for the charity. 

Mrs Katie Simmons, who is in her seventh year of teaching at the school,  said: “I was in need of a new challenge in my life. Since Covid, I have witnessed a massive change in pupils’ behaviours and attitudes. Having taught for over 20 years,  I have vast experience of the teaching profession, its curriculum and how children best learn. Covid has changed so many factors for schools and the children. They have been stripped of their childhood – holding hands, playing games, washing hands continuously, trying to get used to teachers teaching wearing masks. Pupils’ well-being is at the top of my priority list. I have always thrived to create a very kind, calm and secure classroom atmosphere. We treat each other as a family and are always there to support each other. A position arose with Barnado’s of working within the vale in establishments helping teachers and children to develop their Social and Emotional learning. I immediately got excited by this and applied. I was fortunate to get the position and can’t wait to try and help make a difference to children’s lives. Without social skills and being in touch with their emotions, pupils struggle. It has a massive impact on their behaviour, learning and friendships to name a few. Barnardos has always been a charity close to my heart. The work they do with young people is amazing.”

Barnardos, a British charity founded in 1866, is the UK’s largest children’s charity and aim to support, protect and nurture the most vulnerable children. Helping hundreds of thousands of children, young people and parents, they have over 800 services across the UK. Taking to their website, they said ‘We help children through the trauma of sexual abuse and exploitation.

We provide support for young people in care – and we don’t forget about them when they leave the care system. We give children caring for a loved one the help and support they deserve. And that’s not all. Our specialist workers support families through domestic abuse, mental health problems, prison sentences, asylum seeking and much more.’ 

‘We also amplify the voices of young people to influence Government on the issues that affect their lives, fighting their corner and making sure their voices are heard. The scale of what we do may be big and complex, but our aim is simple – to provide the best outcome for every child, no matter who they are or what they have been through.’ 

‘Today, we support and protect children and young people facing a wide range of issues, from drug misuse to disability, from sexual abuse to domestic violence.But one thing has never changed: like our founder, Thomas Barnardo, we believe that with the right help, children can change their lives and achieve their potential. Over 150 years ago, Barnardo promised to support those children in need of help – regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability, or behaviour. Today, we continue to honour that promise.’

Speaking about her pupil’s effort to support her, Mrs Simmons added: “I was informed by a parent in my class about what my Year 3 pupils were planning on doing for me and Barnardos. What a fantastic idea! Raising money whilst staying fit and healthy is giving the children such a boost. We check our total every morning and celebrate its success. We go outdoors several afternoons a week walking the perimeter of the school premises to get our streps in! Children then exercise after school to ensure they reach their mile for the day – for 25 days which takes them to the 17th December – my final day at the school.  The satisfaction the children are getting through raising as much money as they can has been phenomenal. It’s given them a purpose, as well as keeping our mindset healthy. I feel totally overwhelmed that they are doing this for me.”

“My favourite thing about Ysgol Pen y Garth must be its pupils. They are the best! I have had the pleasure of teaching and getting to know so many local families. The parents have always been very supportive and appreciative of the hard work and demanding role of being a teacher. During Lockdowns in particular, I stayed in regular contact with parents to check in on the well-being of my pupils. I would send them cards and set up group meetings, send emails to ensure that they were coping.” 

When asked about what she is most looking forward to whilst working with Barnados, Katie said: “I am looking forward to helping Teachers and pupils develop their well-being. I hope that with my expertise I can make a difference to some children’s lives. The programme that I will be developing in schools and nurseries is a fantastic tool for practitioners. It provides resources, lesson plans and new ideas on improving pupils to express and talk about their feelings.” 

The fundraiser, created by Samantha Leith-Janes, explains: ‘Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Blwyddyn 3 are very sad to be losing their wonderful teacher at the end of this term who is leaving for a new career with Barnardo’s. She is a very special teacher who is going to be missed enormously.   The pupils were inspired to do something that is fitting both for this time of year and that also supports her in her new venture. A group of children from her class are going to be walking/running a mile each day for 25 days-the number of days until the end of term. She is a very empathetic and nurturing teacher who we all know will be a huge asset to Barnardos and the wonderful work they do. We wish her every possible good wish for the future.’

Donations and well- wishes to Mrs Simmons have already started pouring in, with those who know the much loved teacher taking to the Just Giving page to wish her luck. One comment reads: ‘Such a special lady. She will be missed hugely by the children and parents.’ 

‘Pob lwc in your new job. You will be fantastic. Thanks for being such a nurturing and gorgeous teacher’

Another says ‘A great teacher, Pen y Garth’s loss is Barnado’s gain. Thanks for everything Miss Simmons. Love Idris.’ 

To support the fundraising efforts, donate to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amileaday25daychallenge?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=amileaday25daychallenge&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=2b8fdea2281f4bfea7067bc3a8983017