WATCH: 'We're all in this together' - Droylsden school's uplifting end-of-year message

At the end of an academic year like no other, a primary school in Droylsden has produced an uplifting video message to send pupils and staff into the summer holidays on a positive note. 

Like every school throughout the borough, Moorside Primary Academy has had to adapt to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic in recent months, which has been a tough challenge as well as a learning curve for pupils, staff and parents alike. 

To the tune of ‘We’re All In This Together’ from High School Musical, the Market Street school put together a short video on its YouTube channel featuring collages of images of their children from nursery all the way to Year 6 who have either been in school or learning from home. 

Ellen Patel, the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator, told the Reporter: “We've been partially closed now since the end of March and our children are working incredibly hard both at home and at school. 

“We wanted to end the year by sharing a positive video including everyone in the Moorside family. The video includes children who are currently in school and children who have been working at home. The message is 'we're all in this together.’” 

Some of the pupils who have been going into school 

The four-minute video has been well received by many of the school’s parents, while Principal Mandy Taylor commented: "I'm so proud of all our children and families - what a brilliant effort from you all! We can't wait to welcome you all back TOGETHER in September!” 

The lockdown and the necessary measures implemented as a result has meant that schools haven’t been able to give Year Six pupils the celebratory send-off they deserve. But Moorside did their best to make it a special farewell for their departing youngsters on their last day on Thursday (23 July). 

“We had an assembly with just the Year Six children and made a special video for them which we also shared with their parents,” Ellen added. 

“Children from Year Six who are at home sent in contributions to the video, so everyone was involved. The Year Six pupils had a special last day together in their classrooms with their friends and their teachers, and they all have leavers hoodies.” 

With the summer holidays now under way, staff at Moorside have been ensuring that pupils will be prepared for a welcome return to some kind of normality when the new academic year begins in September. 

Ellen added: “We have sent out information about online learning resources and activities such as the Tameside library reading challenge. A transition video has also been posted to each class from their new teacher. 

“All the staff are missing the children very much and we are really excited to welcome them all back in September.” 

A message from staff to pupils at Moorside

You can watch the school's video at the top of the page.