Sam, you had the children totally hooked!

Dear Robin and Sam,

I want to thank you very much for visiting Hatton Hill today. You were both such excellent role models for the children, both in terms of your stories and in the clear warmth of your relationship.

Children, particularly boys, don't always see those positive relationships between adults.

Also, your commitment to charity work shone through and I will use it as a platform to talk about service/volunteering in the new year.

Sam, you had the children totally hooked.

They were literally hanging on your every word. Your story is very powerful in it's own right, but your way of telling it is particularly striking. Your positive nature came through in everything you said - I was fascinated by your 'magical house' and we all love your success menu! I visited the classrooms after you had gone and both staff and children were really positive about what they had heard and learned. The Year 6 children were particularly keen to discuss things further so the teachers are going to read them your autobiography.

In the space of an hour you have taught the children more than I could have in weeks.

You have emphasised in a gentle way how very lucky and privileged they are and I think there was a sudden realisation of this, which won't quickly be forgotten. I always talk to my staff about how part of teaching is your legacy; I am sure that you and your family are very proud of yours.

Thank you for taking the time in your busy schedule to visit us. Robin and Sam - can we have a Sam comic please?

I would certainly be happy to recommend you to other schools and if you would like to talk to headteachers about what you offer, I can organise this.

Thank you both once again. It really was a special morning.

Best wishes for a happy Christmas.

Anna James

Headteacher

Hatton Hill School