Referring to the site staff as ‘unsung heroes’, head teacher Ed McGlinchey expressed his sincere thanks to the team that spent their time clearing the paths within the school grounds to make it safe for all 1200 pupils to attend.
In a heartfelt statement, Mr McGlinchey said: “The first week back of the new term presented many challenges for all schools in Warrington and across the nation with freezing temperatures, snow, traffic chaos, flooding and ice.
“It is always an incredibly difficult decision to know what is best in these circumstances but what really helps is a truly committed staff body, team spirit and partnership with our families.
“St Gregory’s was able to open all week, despite the challenges faced and we owe this to our dedicated site staff who were proactive and planned ahead for the conditions, even though a lot of the conditions were at times, unforeseen.”
The staff have been arriving at 5am each morning to clear paths at the school (Image: Supplied) He went on to explain how members of the site team led by Ivan and including Gavin, Greg, Phil and Adam, were out at 5am every morning clearing the pathways and making them safe for staff and pupils. As well as gritting large areas of the school.
This comes after multiple weather warnings of snow and ice have hit Warrington in the past few days, meaning many schools across town have been forced to make the decision to close.
“Without that team we couldn’t have opened all week and they are our unsung heroes – those that have allowed education to continue safely for 1200 children,” he continued.
“Then we have our staff body, we had 100 per cent of our large staff team in school this week, taking on significant challenges and journeys to be in school to carry on teaching and supporting children who had returned the new term having had two weeks off for the Christmas break.”
“As the headteacher, I have not heard a single moan or issue from the staff – all I have heard is ‘where do you need us’ and ‘how can I help out’.
“As a result of this commitment and dedication, we have had a relatively normal week in school, we have continued with important staff training and all lessons have taken place.”
St Gregory’s has managed to stay open all week despite the snow and icy weather conditions (Image: Supplied) The praising head went on to thank the school’s ‘amazing partnership’ with its parent and care body who made the difficult journeys for school drop-offs this week, adding that the school experienced nearly 100 per cent attendance throughout the week.
He added: “You might imagine that twelve hundred teenagers would be over-excited to be out in such conditions, distracted or simply miserable that that they have not been given a snow day – it has been the opposite.
“The pupils of the school have once again, stood up to be counted and their conduct has been exemplary, mature and helpful. They have been grateful to be with each other and continue with normal lessons.”