martonschool.myfreeforum.org

disillusionedteacher · Mildly Opinionated Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 24

Below is a letter sent round (by the headteacher) to all staff at Marton after a member of support staff had been removed without warning, because she had queried what was going on, and removed her own children. She had no choice in the matter and did not have a chance to say goodbye to the little boy she worked with. She was told at 4pm one afternoon, not to return the following day. As if that wasn't bad enough, and to add insult to injury, the "powers that be" then decided that she should not be given a leaving present, despite the fact that all staff, including her, had contributed to a "present fund" for years, and she had many friends remaining on the staff.

I don't think this letter requires any further comment from me - it is an indication of the dictatorial rule that has existed, and continues to exist, in Marton since the change of headteacher in September 2004.

Please draw your own conclusions and make your own comments.

Card and Present for *****

As ***** was removed from Marton by the Director it will not be possible to send a card or present to her from Marton.

I fully appreciate that the present money is not school money and that some staff want to send ***** a gift. I suggest in order to resolve this issue that a separate collection is made on this occasion, amongst those staff who wish to contribute and that no reference to Marton is made on the card or present. It will be staff personal choice as to whether they wish to contribute or not.

I am sure that under the circumstances you can appreciate why it not possible for the usual method of funding to be implemented, especially as some additional money will be needed from school fund to cover the cost .

I hope that no-one feels upset or offended by this as no offence was intended.

Thank you

Michael Shore · Mildly Opinionated Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 15

Who wrote the letter?
Where it says the Director, does that mean THE Director of Education?
If it is a genuine letter, then I am astounded. I really didn't think that there would be collusion to that level. I think it needs to be confirmed before anyone can make any comment.
Whatever next?

E. Maltby · Mildly Opinionated Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Posts: 17

Much has been said on this forum about the current headteacher. This really caps it all - what a small minded, vicious woman. I have never heard of anything like the things she does, in any form of employment. I am beginning to think that now Lancashire´s part needs looking into - that was after all the authority which elevated her to the level of headteacher.

What a sad figure she now portrays but I am sure things will come full circle - they usually do in life.

disillusionedteacher · Mildly Opinionated Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 24

Michael, the letter was written by the headteacher, presumably with the Diretor of Education's blessing, as he was the one who had removed the member of staff. Quite why a Director of Education should be wasting his time, becoming involved in something as petty as someone's leaving present, is beyond me.
Yes, it is a genuine letter. I have the original in my possession.

E. Maltby, I agree with you about the petty mindedness, which is unbelievable.
I hope you are right about things coming full circle.

WAYNE HEYS · Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 10:44 pm Post subject:

After reading the post's above one particular thought came into my mind,I just wonder how hard the head teacher tried to keep the member of staff at Marton,lets face it after everything that has gone on to date at Marton I wonder whether the headteacher and Director of Education are in fact batting on the same team, it does show what a shambollic state of affairs Marton is engulfed in.
One thing is for sure if I were the Headteacher I wouldn't be expecting a big present when the time comes to say goodbye,unless of course Progress House throw a few quid in !!!!!

Tracey · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 69

i think progress house has thrown more than a few quid in to date!!! how sad that it was deemed appropriate to send this letter to all staff, after all as stated it was 'their' money.
lets face it we all work in environments where we dont like or get on with everybody, that being said it shouldnt be where it should be decided who gets a gift and who doesn't. as i believe it ALL contributed to the fund for EVERYONE. so presumabely this member of staff had also been making contributions.
Worse still is how the staff who received this letter said and possibly did nothing, did no-one suggest this was in fact wrong-on every level. I am sure her true friends did in fact do something but that it would have to be done in virtual secrecy is a disgrace.
it appears more than staff and children have been leaving Marton. decency and backbone- they have been in little evidence recently.
We all know what has happened to those who showed it don't we........

Donna · Getting Started Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 6

There seems to be a theme developing here. I have read most of the posts on this site and the previous site. It looks like the Director of Education is controlling the school from a safe distance. If we believe the posts that have gone on the website as follows
He removed the teacher from the school [who didnt get a present]
He said that all complaints about the school should be directed to him.
He has acted as spokesman for the School thus undermining the schools management.
He sent individual letters to all parents.
He sent his team of advisors into the school because of parents complaints.
He went on the radio and contradicted all that the inspection found.
If these posts are correct, then why does a Director of Education micro manage a school Is he not satisfied that the present management regime is capable of running things There are enough problems in education and child services that need attention, surely his efforts would be better spent directing.
To top it all, the letter sent to him by the schools staff telling him they are unhappy with the way the school is being handled, has him rushing into the school to try and reassure them. It seems as though the Director is being ordered about by his own staff.
Maybe this problem is not just about Marton. Maybe its just another example of a lack of strong leadership within Blackpool.

disillusionedteacher · Mildly Opinionated Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 24

I was passed a newspaper article (from the TES, October 20th) the other day, by somebody who had read this thread.

The article was about a teacher who successfully sued her colleagues for not buying her a leaving present. She had contributed to a gift fund for sixteen years at the school but had been suspended (on charges which were subsequently dismissed). Sound familiar?

I wondered whether the member of support staff, mentioned by Mrs Coupe in her letter above, might consider suing for the very same reason. And perhaps Mrs Alderson and Mrs Reidy, who also left the school without leaving presents, despite contributing for twenty five years between them, might wish to do the same. I am sure the situation must have felt not only extemely unfair but also very hurtful for all of them.

Now you know, ladies, there is an option open to you.....