Staff, parents and pupils pay tribute to retiring Jarrow head teacher and set up fundraiser to honour ‘remarkable legacy’ with an outdoor area in his name

Mr Martin Humble, who became Headteacher at St Matthews RC Primary School in September 2001, is stepping down in July of this year and to honour his time at the school, parents are fundraising for an outdoor learning space in his name.

The project, Be Kind, Be Humble, is aiming to raise £5000 for the installation and development of the outdoor classroom, which will provide a lasting tribute to Mr Humble, who has always wished of having an outdoor space at the school which children can use for learning, relaxation and meditation.

Plans for the outdoor area include plants, buddy benches and a contemplation space for the children at the school.

Victoria Sheraton, Chair of Friends of St Matthew's, who set up the fundraising project, said: “Our project is called Be Kind, Be Humble in honour of our wonderful headteacher. He has led the school with kindness and commitment and always goes above and beyond for his pupils.

“It has been Mr Humble’s wish for a number of years now to have an outdoor space where our children can learn, enjoy nature and look after their health and wellbeing at the same time. We really want to raise the funds to be able to create this space as a lasting tribute to his achievements and legacy here at the school."

Mr Humble, from Newcastle, started his teaching career at the age of 28 and has been inspiring children around the North East for over 30 years.

Since the page was set up by Friends of St Matthews, Mr Humble has been inundated with messages of thanks and support from past pupils, with over £1000 already being raised in honour of the veteran Headteacher.

Mrs Sheraton added: “We're currently lacking in outdoor facilities and we know how much this means to Mr Humble and the entire school so it would be amazing for us to pull together to achieve this before he retires in July."

Donations in support of St Matthews RC Primary School and Mr Humble can be made at www.rocketfund.org/be-kind-be-humble

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