Throughout our visit to London yesterday we had countless remarks from members of the public about how wonderful our children were – how respectful, courteous and how impeccably behaved there were. This was delightful to hear throughout the day. We also had numerous comments about the trip itself, how fantastic it was to provide such an opportunity, again really pleasing to hear such support for the enrichment we offer.
Our day was fantastic, our journey home however, was less so! But we remained positive and up beat throughout. Our train was delayed due to a fire at Rugby station, passengers found it quite chaotic at Euston as all trains were cancelled or delayed, we remained calm with fantastic support from Avanti staff, safe in the knowledge that they would get us home. They provided water and eventually pre-boarded us early for our train. Our children had their food as planned and remained in great spirits. We eventually got back to Stafford just before 11pm. I am so proud of our team for the way everyone coped under the pressure of the evening events.
On the train we clearly made a lasting impression as we received this email message this morning from a person who had found our school details and chosen to write to us.
I am a random stranger, who has been trapped on a very delayed train from London, for several hours, late into the night, with several staff and students from your school. What absolutely incredible children they are. They have dealt with a very stressful situation this evening with so much patience and maturity. They have charmed the whole carriage. They are a credit to your school and their parents.
Tonight has been nothing short of awful and they are absolute troopers and deserve the highest praise (George is certainly making a strong play for a day off as a reward!). A young girl named Libby has also been particularly impressive and brave.
I simply had to write and tell you how impressed I am with your students and the staff caring for them. I do hope they all get home safely and to bed!
Thank you to our children, staff and families for your patience, resilience and support. Also to our wider school staff community who supported communications well into the night, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our group. The day was absolutely brilliant – so all worth it!
