14/06/2026
A Day in the Life of a Supply Teacher…
One of our supply teachers recently shared this story from a day spent in one of our wonderful Catholic primary schools. It perfectly captures the unexpected moments that make supply teaching so memorable!
Upon arriving at school, she was informed that there would be an assembly first thing.
No sooner had the children arrived than they excitedly told her there was a special card that needed to be finished for a teacher who was leaving that day.
The children eagerly pointed towards a pile of beautifully painted handprints and a large red heart.
“Miss, we need to stick the hands on and write a goodbye message for Mr X!”
With only a few minutes to spare before assembly, she quickly arranged the painted hands around the heart.
The children dictated the message:
“Dear Mr X, we will miss you. Thank you for everything and good luck in your new job.”
So, naturally, that’s exactly what she wrote.
A few moments later, everyone was seated in the hall. As the other classes entered, she noticed that each class was carrying a large red heart too.
During the assembly, Mr X was presented with a wonderful farewell song, sung beautifully by the whole school, along with a special leaving card from everyone.
At that point, she began to wonder…
“What about all these other hearts?”
The answer soon became clear.
The assembly wasn’t just about saying goodbye to Mr X. It was also a special celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Each class had created a heart to present at the altar, in the presence of the priests leading the celebration.
Suddenly, realisation struck.
The heart she had just helped complete wasn’t a farewell card at all!
Mortified, but trying not to draw attention to herself, she carefully retrieved the heart from the child who had been chosen to present it and discreetly turned it over before it reached the altar.
On the reverse was a heartfelt goodbye message to Mr X!
Thankfully, disaster was avoided, and the story provided plenty of laughter amongst staff throughout the day.
And, for anyone wondering, Mr X did eventually receive his card at the end of the school day after all!
It’s these unexpected moments, quick thinking and sense of humour that make supply teaching such a rewarding profession. No two days are ever the same!
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