Petition against the handling of the removal of Josh Coppard

Update:

We are pleased to announce that after speaking with the Blue Coat Senior Leadership Team, the issue has been resolved. The school admitted that the situation could have been handled in a different way, and they made their appreciation for Josh clear. As a result of the petition and this discussion, a goodbye and thank you event for Josh will be held for librarians and close friends in the library during April, as it is hoped that Mrs Knibbs will be back by then. Thank you for your support, and enabling us as students to have a voice in our school!

Original Petition:

To whom it may concern,

We were shocked to hear of the sudden removal of Josh Coppard from the school, and are writing to express unhappiness at how the issue was dealt with. As I’m sure you know, Josh was Head Librarian for a number of years whilst a pupil at this school and throughout his time at university he returned regularly to support the library, before becoming a full time volunteer at the end of his degree. During this time he has contributed an enormous amount, both to the organisation and running of the library and to the life of many students.

During the last month of Mrs Knibbs’ absence, he has even been running the library alone. As such, he is viewed as a valued member of staff by a majority of pupils in the school, and understandably many staff and students were upset by the abrupt nature of his departure. If a teacher were to be asked to leave, they would most likely have a notice period, and at the very least a chance to say a proper goodbye on the day – as Josh was asked to leave the premises almost immediately, he was denied this chance, which does not show the due respect to someone who has been such a valued member of the school community.

For for those who have worked alongside him and those who have at any stage been helped by him in his role as Library Assistant, he was a huge asset, and we believe he deserves an apology for the manner in which he was removed, and even potentially a proper “thank you”. Many pupils and staff would like to show their appreciation for all he has done, and this is not an unreasonable request given the length of time he has been here and the work he has put in.

In conclusion, we believe that there were a number of unacceptable factors surrounding Josh’s removal – the lack of warning given, the lack of consideration shown at the time, and the lack of appropriate thanks for his contribution. Our school has a motto “Christian Education with Care” and in order for this to be fulfilled, respect should be shown to all – whether staff or student. During his time at Blue Coat, Josh Coppard has taken on both these roles, and therefore he is doubly deserving of our care and support during this transition, neither of which were shown during his removal.

Yours sincerely,

Pupils of Blue Coat School.