Schools are vibrant, dynamic places - there is always a lot happening! They can also be quite stressful places for both staff and pupils. Deadlines, tests and exams, inspections, challenging pupils, staff shortages and limited budgets are just a few of the things that can cause challenges. It could be easy for staff to become demoralised and despondent.
There are plenty of ways that your church can show its support for the local school community. Mark Twain is quoted as saying that he could live for two months on a good compliment; we all know that a positive word affects the way individuals think and react. Schools and, importantly, staff and pupils benefit from encouragement, a positive word of praise or thanks. This boosts morale and enhances the learning environment.
Church members, parents, clergy, and governors all play a vital role in encouraging those in schools; they can have a really positive effect on the well-being of pupils and staff.
Find a way of expressing appreciation for the work done by the school. One church organised an awards evening where members of the congregation were given 'Oscars' for their contribution to the life of the community. They also asked the young people to nominate a teacher who was invited to the evening as a mark of the church's appreciation. She was not a member of the church and the gesture had a huge impact.
Little tokens are very important; the card; the small present; the occasional thank you or word of encouragement delivered with a smile. Cards and baskets of fruit and so on, sent at the time of OfSTED inspections can speak volumes to the staff about church support. Offering for the church to pray for the school at particular times of the year is usually welcomed and seen as an expression of care.