FROM THE EDITOR: Why we should be saying thank you to our teachers

There is a unique buzz that comes with the start of the summer holidays and it never leaves you.

Oh, the plans we used to make as children and the excitement of the places we might go.

The dreams of ice cream, seaside and playing – so much playing without spelling tests or maths.

It often wasn’t going away that made us so happy but the thought of being able to spend time with our friends and enter what felt like the eternity of the six weeks holiday.

After everything we have been through since March, it feels to me now that September will come in a flash and we’ll be back to early starts as if lockdown never happened. Perhaps that is the difference between being a boring adult and a child so full of fun?

I would love to hear your favourite memories of the summer holidays.

The dens you built, the trouble – innocent of course – that you caused and the plans you made that no grown-up would consider.

The sticks of rock, the muddy knees, the freedom to knock on the door of your neighbours to ask if they were playing out – without everything being arranged in advance through parents.

Times have changed but that isn’t necessarily bad, it is just different for every generation.

I would also appreciate it if you could find the time to say thanks to the teachers of your children or grandchildren.

I hope this isn’t news to you but they haven’t been sat with their feet up during lockdown.

Every school has been open to the children of key workers and vulnerable youngsters right from the start.

There have been learning packs, postcards, phone calls, online lessons, food parcel deliveries and all kinds of activities that aren’t part of the national curriculum.

Despite a national mood that seemed pitted against teachers at various points, they have done an incredible job in the most challenging circumstances.

So, go on, let’s set a good example for the youngest Sheffielders and say thanks to those who are helping to shape the future generations of our city.

Email, write or call me – we’ve all learnt a lot about communication outside the classroom since March.