A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have welcomed forty new staff during a special event.
Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.
The Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown and now provides education for over 3,500 pupils.
The event was held at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees for staff who have joined the Trust in the last twelve months.
Speaking at the event, Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra said: “It is important that we formally welcome you all into the Trust at an event like this.
“It gives me an opportunity to emphasise how much we value our staff, and it gives you the chance to meet other staff members and find out a little bit more about Ad Astra Academy Trust.
“As a Trust we continue to develop and evolve as an organisation and listening to our staff is a key part of this process.
“We are one big family at Ad Astra – you will have good days and challenging days, but we all support one another. Staff are central to everything we do to ensure that our children get off to the best possible start in life.”
Michael Suthers was appointed Deputy Headteacher at Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough in September. He was previously English Lead at Pallister Park Primary School where he had spent the last 12 years.
Michael said: “The prospect of working with Ad Astra was one which excited me greatly. They are a forward-thinking, supportive organisation who always place the best interests of the children first.
“They have a central team who continually strive for the best opportunities for children, who place teaching and learning at the centre of their planning and ensure that barriers to achievement are broken down.
“From a personal point of view, they have already played an integral role in supporting my journey as a leader which I am sure is the case for so many others.”
Chantele Dawes recently joined West View Primary School in Hartlepool as a nursery teaching assistant after working for the previous 18 years in childcare.
Chantele, whose children attended the school, said: “West View has always been my passion as I have seen it grow from a deprived school to the school it is today. I know a lot of the families; it is a wonderful school, and I cried down the phone when I was told that I had got the job.”
Amy Crawford started her first job in September as a reception class teacher at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough after studying for three years.
Amy commented: “I absolutely love my role and love teaching in my community. I studied in Manchester for three years and the demographics are similar to Middlesbrough so coming back and being able to utilise my experience is really good.”
Jordan Messenger also recently joined Ayresome as a Year 4 teacher having worked in education for the last 13 years.
Jordan said: “Over the years I’ve been to several events and Ayresome has always been a school that stood out. When I saw the job advert, I knew straightaway I wanted to be there.
“The children are very well behaved, and everyone excels and achieves together.
“I love the children I work with, the families and the community spirit at Ayresome is second to none.”
The primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.