An evening of academy celebration

The new Thornaby academy, of which Teesside is the lead sponsor, is hosting an official opening ceremony.

The Academy opened its doors in September, replacing the former Thornaby Community School. We are the lead sponsor, with co-sponsors Stockton Sixth Form College, Stockton Riverside College and Stockton on Tees Borough Council.

The Academy will be opened by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the University’s Chancellor, Lord Sawyer of Darlington. Students from the Academy will be acting as hosts for the event and also present Lord Sawyer with a framed photograph.

Lynn Parker, Director of Educational Partnerships at Teesside University, said: 'This evening is very much an opportunity to acknowledge all of the hard work undertaken by the Principal and her staff since the opening in September. Also, this is an opportunity to recognise all the organisations and individuals who contributed so much to the development of the Academy prior to opening. We’re particularly delighted that our Chancellor will officially open the Academy, as the University has recently celebrated its 80th anniversary.'

Principal Maryssa O’Connor is a Teesside graduate Principal Maryssa O’Connor is originally from Middlesbrough and a Teesside University graduate. She said of the evening: 'The official opening of Thornaby Academy by Lord Sawyer of Darlington reflects the ongoing support the academy has from Teesside University and our sponsors as a whole. The staff and students have had a busy and exciting first term and this evening recognises the achievements so far and the very positive future ahead.'

Maryssa was a pupil at the former Kings Manor School and Acklam Sixth Form. After her English degree at Teesside, she achieved a postgraduate teaching certificate specialising in English.

Maryssa started her career as a secondary English teacher in North Tyneside and Newcastle and then moved to a school in Croydon, as Head of English and Assistant Head. She returned to the North-East in her previous role as Deputy Head of Tanfield School, Specialist College of Science and Engineering

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