The Salvation Army Chatham

Never one to blow her own cornet, Claire has been keeping modestly quiet about her nomination for a ‘Pride of Medway’ award, says husband Richard.

Claire

Richard continues:

In truth, she would tell you that she is even embarrassed about the nomination, never mind the recent article in the local press (click here to read)

Claire has recently started at a new school, Wayfield Community Primary School but it was a parent of a boy in her last class at Thames View Junior School that gratefully put Claire forward for this award. The boy came into Claire’s class at the beginning of the last school year and was struggling. Not just with the usual curriculum demands that all 7/8 year olds face but because he is also Autistic. However, by the end of the year he was on a par with the rest of the class.

Claire will talk down her achievements and is never satisfied with herself, always believing she is not doing a good job and should do better. I hope occasions like this make her realise just what a good job she does. We can never underestimate our impact on other people’s lives wherever and whatever we do. I think we can all be justifiably proud of her and thankful to her and all the teachers we have at the Corps. What a good and hard job they do with the children.

The words of the grateful parent who nominated Claire could not sum up what I’m trying to say any better:

“Mrs Craik is special in a lot of ways. Not only is she excellent at teaching and communicating with the children and parents, but she is very kind and considerate to all of their individual needs. My son was really struggling while in the infants but Mrs Craik really eased his transition into the Junior School which is not easy for a child with Asperger’s as they don’t adapt to change very well. Through her extra care and the ability to understand Oliver’s needs, his school work has pulled up considerably and he is now on par with his fellow classmates. Oliver’s confidence in his ability in class has grown and his work has increased enormously. Most of its is down to Mrs Craik’s total dedication to the children.”

Editor’s note: Perhaps we should say that we asked Richard to write this having read the article in the press. He too is reluctant to blow his own cornet. We think congratulations are in order!