Pride of Guernsey: 'Really gets to know his pupils'
A CASTEL primary teacher whose interaction with his pupils has been described as 'truly heart-warming' has been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award, sponsored by Garenne.
Daniel Strappini, who was nominated by parent Jackie Williams, has been commended for giving his pupils the confidence needed to succeed in class.
'My son has flourished since being in Mr Strappini's class,' she said. 'When he started Year 3 in September, he had very little confidence in himself and over the past year his confidence has grown due to Mr Strappini's help and guidance.'
Mrs Williams said this was due to Mr Strappini's passion for teaching, which is shown in the way he communicates with his pupils.
'I have witnessed the way in which he speaks to and encourages his class and it is truly heart-warming,' she said. 'He is a fantastic teacher.'
She also praised the way he understood the children and was able to tell whenever her son was unclear on something.
'At our last parents' evening, I asked Mr Strappini if my son would ask if he didn't understand anything,' she said. 'Mr Strappini replied: "There is no need to as I can tell by the look on his face."
'He really gets to know his pupils.'
Mr Strappini, who also runs a number of after-school clubs, said it was a team effort.
'While I am honoured to be nominated, I am part of a teaching team and all my colleagues work extremely hard and deserve recognition equally.'
