Penarth News

Tributes paid to Stanwell deputy

8:30am Thursday 2nd September 2010

TRIBUTES have been paid to Lesley Lee, an acting-deputy headteacher of Stanwell School in Penarth, who died last week.

Mrs Lee, who was due to take over as acting-headteacher of the school following the summer break, died at her Cardiff home on Friday (August 27).

The 60-year-old has been described as ‘compassionate’ and ‘part of the furniture’ by members of staff at the school, who are still coming to terms with her sudden passing.

Fellow acting-deputy headteacher, Alec Lewis, said: “We’re still in complete shock at the news.

“Lesley was at the school for the GSCE results last week, and there was no sign of anything wrong.

“She was part of the furniture, having first joined Stanwell in 1974.

“Lesley will be sadly missed and our condolences go out to her family and friends.”

A memorial service in tribute to the long-serving History teacher may be held at the school, and Stanwell staff are also meeting this week to discuss the future of the school’s hierarchy.

Previous headteacher, Malcolm Parker, has now left Stanwell.

Derek Jones, who with Mrs Lee and Mr Lewis has been working as an acting-deputy headteacher, said: “I spoke to one of our teachers this morning who said Mrs Lee was 'a friend as well as a boss'.

“That sums her up really.

“If staff had difficulties, Lesley was the person who found a way to help them.

“She was compassionate but always kept a focus on what was best for the school.

“Lesley also worked as our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator) and helped many children with learning and behavioural difficulties," added Mr Jones.

“We’re all still coming to terms with what’s happened.”

Mrs Lee’s family and friends are awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

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