THE headteacher at a Wellington primary school is probably regretting the challenge he set his pupils to encourage them to do their art homework during the coronavirus lockdown.

Olly Priestley, head at St John’s, told pupils that if they sent in a total of 50 pieces of art work he would dress up as Elsa from the film Frozen and sing the entire song Let It Go – then post a video on the school’s Facebook page.

Well the students rose to the challenge – which left Mr Priestly with no choice!

“A challenge is a challenge,” he said. “I’m not a singer - you can tell that from the video - but it was my way of thanking he children for all the hard work they have done.”

The headteacher sang the entire four-minute song – wearing a flowing blue dress and blonde wig, in true Elsa style!

Comments on the website ranged from ‘the coolest head teacher ever’ to ‘my children loved it but said please don’t sing again!’

The school has been using technology innovatively to stay in touch with its pupils.

Teaching assistant Alan Mitchell even ran a virtual disco, setting up as ‘DJ Mitchell’ from his garage and then children all joined in through the web ap Zoom.

The school sets homework regularly on the school website and the staff post video stories which they have recorded themselves. 

Teachers also phone all students during the week to make sure they are well.

And the school kitchen is working hard providing daily packed lunches to families entitled to income-based free school meals, which are delivered to their homes.

“The response from our parents has been amazing,” said Mr Priestly. “But the children deserve it. These are difficult times and anything we can do to bring a smile has to be worth it.”

For anyone who wants to see the film got to www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm_QzaCQvZg