Tributes paid to popular teacher (From Salisbury Journal)
If you have a story call our newsdesk on 01722 426511 or email us. To advertise call 01722 426500.
Tributes paid to popular teacher Chris Goodchild at St. Monica's School in Southampton
2:35pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Education
By Jon Reeve, Education Reporter
St Monica’s Junior School in Southampton
TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Southampton teacher, who died of an apparent heart attack.
Tearful pupils at St Monica Infant and Junior Schools were told in a special assembly of the sad news of Chris Goodchild’s sudden death.
The fun-loving 57-year-old collapsed while horse riding in the New Forest on New Year’s Day.
Youngsters have been encouraged to share their memories of Mr Goodchild, who had worked as a supply teacher at the two schools for several years, but was this term taking up a permanent role teaching Year 3 children.
In an email sent to parents, school leaders described his sudden death as “a huge shock to the whole school community”.
A permanent memorial to Mr Goodchild is being planned in St Monica Junior’s memorial garden, while there will also be a service held to remember him “in due course”.
Angela Paris, head teacher at St Monica Junior, said: “Chris will be sadly missed by everyone at St Monica Junior School.
“He supported so many children and their families, as well as colleagues, with dedication and enthusiasm.
“Chris was so full of fun and all the children always said that lessons with him were a fantastic experience.
“His death is a tremendous loss to our school community, and our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and friends.”
Parents praised the schools’ approach to tragedy, and said the teacher had been very popular with their children.
Mum Donna Fenton, whose daughter Tayla had been taught by Mr Goodchild at the infant school as well as the juniors, said the news had upset many pupils as well as some parents, but said the school had helped the youngsters “brilliantly”.
She said: “Talking to the other parents, everybody said their kids loved him.”
Comments(18)
Michstu74
says...
3:20pm Fri 11 Jan 13
Michstu74
says...
3:20pm Fri 11 Jan 13
chris.g3255
says...
5:26pm Fri 11 Jan 13
hyde74
says...
5:55pm Fri 11 Jan 13
helenF=WoodcroftPrimary
says...
6:12pm Fri 11 Jan 13
My heart goes out to your family.
from Helen xxx
DFenton
says...
9:39pm Fri 11 Jan 13
Michstu74
says...
9:43pm Fri 11 Jan 13
southampton 13
says...
9:47pm Fri 11 Jan 13
And you will be missed by all heaven has one great teacher for all.
From josh
southampton 13
says...
9:47pm Fri 11 Jan 13
And you will be missed by all heaven has one great teacher for all.
From josh
helenF=WoodcroftPrimary
says...
3:08pm Sat 12 Jan 13
And for his friends and family we all miss him.xxxxxxxxxxxx
wmaxted1981
says...
3:45pm Wed 16 Jan 13
My Daughter absolutly adored Mr Goodchild.
MR.G was possibly one of the best teachers i've ever meet and a trully inspiring person and will be deeply missed.
All our heartfelt sadness to his Family at this time.
Im not a religious guy but if there is a heaven its certanly taken in another angel.
R.I.P MR.G
All our Love MR and Mrs Maxted
amy reeve22
says...
5:18pm Mon 21 Jan 13
:(
999medic
says...
7:58pm Sun 27 Jan 13
Beth from SMJS
999medic
says...
7:59pm Sun 27 Jan 13
thecoops
says...
10:14am Tue 29 Jan 13
thecoops
says...
10:14am Tue 29 Jan 13
thecoops
says...
10:20am Tue 29 Jan 13
999medic says...
3:07pm Fri 11 Jan 13
Rest in peace Mr Goodchild, you will be very much missed by the students, parents, and teachers, be assured you left a fantastic imprint on many people.