Be Kind, Be Humble - A Tribute to Mr Humble

Mr Martin Humble has been the Head Teacher of St Matthew's RC Primary School for a remarkable 20 years. In July 2021, Mr Humble will be retiring from our happy school and the staff, children, parents and carers at St Matthew's want to leave a lasting tribute to Mr Humble's amazing legacy.

For a number of years, it has been the wish of Mr Humble for St Matthew's to have an outdoor space which the children can use for learning, relaxation and prayer or meditation. The coroanvirus pandemic has had a tremendous impact on our children, and the need to look after our health and wellbeing has never been more important.

The aim of Project Be Kind, Be Humble is to raise the funds to fulfill Mr Humble's wish - for an outdoor classroom, it's installation and development of the surrounding area (pathways, plants etc). The space will be named in Mr Humble's honour, marked by a sign and the Be Kind, Be Humble slogan which encapsulates his positive nature and the tremendous impact he has on everyone he comes into contact with.

About Mr Humble: Professional

Born and raised in Newcastle, the eldest of seven children, Martin Humble started teaching at the age of 28 at St John Vianney RC Primary School. Right from the off, he went above and beyond for the school and community, often incorporating his passion for sports and particularly the great game of football. Among his many roles and achievements, Mr Humble: 

• Coordinated the Annual Newcastle Primary Schools Cross Country Event 
• Coached Newcastle Schools' FA Under 11 City Team
• Was Primary Secretary for Newcastle Schools’ FA
• Was Secretary for Newcastle Schools’ FA at all age groups
• Represented Newcastle Schools’ FA on Northumberland Schools’ FA
• Qualified as an FA Referee for Northumberland FA

Mr Humble was Deputy Headteacher at Our Lady and St Anne's RC Primary School in Newcastle from 1998 before being appointed as Head of St Matthew's in September 2001. Here, he has led the school through three OFTSED inspections, from GOOD in May 2005, to OUTSTANDING in May 2008 and July 2018, as well as three Diocesan Inspections. More professional achievements have followed, including:

• Being recognised by the DfE as a Local Leader in Education (LLE)
• Working as a School Improvement Partner in South Tyneside
• Working as an Executive Headteacher recruited by the Diocese to support two Schools in the Diocese in 2016/2017 and 2020.
• Being recruited by the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese as a Denominational Inspector for Section 48 Inspections in Primary Schools across the Diocese

Martin has also supported a number of colleagues in their career journeys to senior leadership positions in other schools. 

His commitment and dedication are embodied in the school's mission statement: “Welcome to our happy school, where everyone is valued and given the opportunity to ‘let their light shine’. With Jesus in our hearts, we encourage love and respect for all. We strive to reach our goals, as we learn, and grow, in a safe and enjoyable environment.” 

Mr Humble will be a huge miss to staff, pupils, parents, carers and the whole St Matthew's community, and we hope we can create a lasting tribute to the positive and indelible mark he leaves on our school.

About Mr Humble: Personal

Married to Lyn since 1982 with two children and four grandchildren (another due in July), Martin has a busy retirement ahead. His hobbies including photography (member of West Moor Camera Club) and watching football (no longer playing or refereeing!) - as a lifelong NUFC supporter attending his first game in 1969, he is still a Season Ticket holder. In his youth he was an all-round sportsman, representing his schools at football, cricket, hockey, track and field athletics (1500m, Javelin and long jump) and Cross Country.

He enjoys walking and exploring Northumberland and the North East coastline as well as holidays abroad, particularly to Greece and the Greek Islands.

As the name of the project suggests, Martin Humble inspires kindness, inclusivity and humility, and these final words are his:

"I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of very good people throughout my career – they have inspired and shaped me as a person and professional, to put children and families first and provide the best we can for all of our wonderful children in all aspects of school life. I have been fully supported by the school/parish community on a personal level through some challenging periods in the last twenty years and I will always be thankful and grateful for this."

Thank you in advance for your kind donations!