A SCHOOLGIRL has nominated her teacher for a Gwent School Awards as thanks to her she always leaves school with a “big smile” on her face.

Nominations for teachers from all over the region have been sent in for the awards but one nomination stood out when it arrived because it was sent by nine-year-old Lowri Nicholls who is a pupil at Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân. In her description of her teacher Nerys Griffiths she said: “As well as being a great educator she is a great entertainer. I always walk out of school with a big smile on my face. I love my teacher.”

Upon hearing she had been nominated for Teacher of the Year, Miss Griffiths, said: “I haven’t been nominated before in anything. I felt really teary when I found out. Lowri is a wonderful character. I couldn’t believe it when I heard.”

The teacher, who is Year 3 and 4 co-ordinator, is originally of Blaenporth, Cardigan, has been at the school for 13 years and praises the pupils and staff for creating a welcoming environment.

“In an area like Cwmbran where children come from an English speaking background it’s a pleasure to see children coming in and learn Welsh. It makes feel you are doing a worthwhile job.

“It gives you the feeling you are making a difference and giving them something else in life.”

Music is a big part of school life and Miss Griffiths took the children to perform in London in 2016. Members of the choir worked with Welsh composer Dr Daniel Bickerton for a piece which was performed at Music for Youth’s School Prom at the Royal Albert Hall.

“I lead the school choir and Gwent Music offered some primary schools to perform in London. We took the parents and children and performed at the Prom.”

“Some children haven’t been to London so being a part of the choir has given them opportunities to travel. It was nice to do something outside school and get a chance to talk with the children and see them in another light.”

The 35-year-old is also a mother of a three-year-old and is busy planning her wedding. She has a passion for the Welsh language and teaching. and her own says she can be quite strict in the classroom, but there is also time for the pupils to have fun.

She said: “I’m quite a strict when I need to be, but it is important to have a laugh and make sure the children enjoy school. I could never do anything else. Teaching is so rewarding, especially at primary level.”

There are only days left to send in nominations in the South Wales Argus’ Gwent Schools Awards. Exceptional teachers from the region will be celebrated when the awards are announced at a presentation evening on March 10 at the Coldra Court Hotel.

We are still looking for nominations for a range of award categories including, the Breaking Down Barriers Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Creativity and Innovation Award.

If you know a student who is working towards becoming a teacher and has excelled in an teaching environment then they could be eligible for the South Wales Argus’ Student Teacher of the Year Award. If your child attends or you know a school that deserves some recognition then nominate them for the prestigious School of the Year Award.

All entries for the Gwent Schools Awards must be submitted by 5pm, January 20. To send your nominations visit southwalesargus.co.uk/gwentschoolsawards