BOUQUET OF THE WEEK Jenny always puts pupils first

A SECONDARY school teacher who goes “above and beyond” to support a teenage pupil with chronic fatigue syndrome has been awarded an Echo Bouquet of the Week.

Jenny Griffiths, who teaches maths at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff and has taught for 30 years, said she was “absolutely gobsmacked” upon hearing she had been nominated by Charlotte Hazell, mother of 14-yearold student Rhiannon.

Mrs Griffiths said it was “lovely news” to be nominated for simply doing what she felt was her job, and described the 14-year-old pupil as “delightful”.

Mrs Hazell described how her daughter had been left feeling low and had to give up taking part in sport due to her condition.

She added that Mrs Griffiths, who has also been Rhiannon’s head of year since Year Seven, “sat and discussed the situation with Rhiannon to try to help make school life easier for her”.

Mrs Hazell said: “The support and encouragement she has given is above and beyond her requirements.

“She always asks her how she is and checks that she is not under too much stress with her work, and Mrs Griffiths’ door is always open to any child who wishes to talk to her.

“Her motto is that every child should be happy and healthy – if not she wants to know what she can do to help.”

Mrs Hazell said she was pleased to know her daughter had such a supportive staff member to speak to, and felt the support provided by Mrs Griffiths had had “such a positive impact on Rhiannon”.

If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week email your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number to echo. newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk.

You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all the nominees must agree to be photographed.