It was an unusual opportunity for a Year 6 (ages 10 to 11) student who got to take on the role of head teacher for one day.

Maxwell Hellman, 11, was addressed as ’Mr Hellman’ head teacher of Laxey Primary School while he ordered his fellow students and staff members to dress in Harry Potter theme yesterday (Wednesday).

His responsibility came after his mother won an auction at a school Mhelliah, where parents could bid on their child becoming the school leader for a day. The amount raised went towards school supplies.

Maxwell said: ’I felt really happy and excited when mum told me she had won.’

When the school entrances opened yesterday morning, Mr Hellman was directed to his office before visiting every classroom to say his ’hellos’.

He then made sure his commands were carried out, which included head of school Craig Astin giving P.E. lessons all morning.

Unfortunately his plans of having a picnic outside were thwarted by wet weather, but the resilient leader decided an indoor picnic would suffice.

The day ended on a high for all Year 6 children who got to stay behind after school and watch a screening of Angry Birds 2.

Maxwell said that having the students, parents and teachers address him as the school leader made him feel like ’royalty’.

’It’s been fun,’ he told the Manx Independent on the day.

He was particularly happy that the opportunity was still able to go ahead following the school’s brief closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Executive head teacher of Laxey and Dhoon primary schools, Max Kelly, said: ’Maxwell has done a fabulous job as head teacher for the day! He has kept all of the children engaged in fun activities. The staff tell me that they prefer working for Mr Hellman than me!’

His teacher, Bronwyn Ward, said: ’Mr Hellman has been an excellent head teacher. He is delightful to work for and he organised the day superbly.’