From inspiring teachers to caretakers, office staff and lunchtime supervisors, we have been sent some more heart-warming stories about the people who work in the borough’s schools and who deserve some recognition.
We wanted to share another selection of these local heroes and say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who plays a part in helping our schools thrive. You can still nominate by emailing aroundealing@ealing.gov.uk – so keep an eye on future editions of Around Ealing magazine to see more heroes.
Russell Hare is a site manager at Havelock Primary School, in Southall. He was nominated by the school’s assistant headteacher, Amy Braid, for going above and beyond.
She said: “Russell goes above and beyond to make the days of all children and staff brighter. Despite always having so much to do, he always makes time to check in with the pupils and listens to what they say. The children love him and will run up to greet him, give him a high five and tell them something about their day so far, which he will always react to with excitement and joy.
“No matter how much he has going on, he always accepts the daily surprise maintenance jobs with a smile. Nothing is too much trouble — from helping stray cats and dogs, to fostering relationships with nearby schools, to making sure every inch of our school is safe and accessible.
“On the afternoon gate, he greets every child and parent with a smile and ‘good afternoon’. He doesn’t just make our school run smoothly, he is an asset to our school culture and community.”
Putting children first
Fay Hudson is the SENCO lead at Greenford High School. She was nominated by a parent for her kindness, patience, and positivity.
They said: “She goes above and beyond to make school a welcoming and safe place, not just for my children but for all SEND students. Her encouragement, understanding, and practical support have made what could be a very challenging experience much easier for our family.
“She consistently puts children first, offering guidance, reassurance, and creative solutions whenever needed. Her dedication has helped many SEND families navigate school with confidence, knowing their children are truly supported. Her kindness, patience, and positivity make a huge difference every day, and she absolutely deserves to be recognised as a school hero.”
More thanks…
Roksana Sak, a reception teacher at Montpelier Primary School, in Ealing, was nominated by a parent for doing a great job.
The nomination read: “She always has a kind smile on her face for each child. One particular example I’d like to share is when my daughter was not enjoying PE as she did not like the uniform, which is black leggings and a black jumper. Ms Sak offered to wear all black too and my daughter really started enjoying PE after this.”
Rosanna Wall, a Year 4 teacher at St Raphael Primary School, in Northolt, also received a nomination from a school parent.
They said: “My child has additional needs and Ms Wall gave him the confidence to talk up and to keep trying. She would always provide me with extra support and tools to help him. My son had the pleasure in having her teach him again in another year group, I was so happy.”
And, parents at Ark Byron Primary Academy, in Acton, wanted to say a very big thanks to assistant principal Rachael Gillies, who worked at the school 10 years before leaving in the summer.
One parent said: “This year she has introduced singing assemblies which my son loves (as he is neurodivergent and music gives him great joy) and is a great example for children of what it means to ‘lean into’ their learning experience with creative flare.”
They added: “She is the teacher I would like to have had and would have remembered into adulthood — genuinely jolly, authentic and bold.”
Another commented: “She will be sorely missed by both pupils and parents, and is an absolute school hero.”
Celebrating school heroes
You can read all the nominations and see photos of the nominees in the Around Ealing autumn digital magazine.
Do you have someone like this working in your school or helping your child who you think deserves top marks? Tell us what makes them so special that they brighten your school day.
