Tributes are being made to Kerry Waters, the headteacher of Pontnewydd Primary School, who has passed away.
The school shared this letter from with parents last Thursday from Allan Tait, chair of governors) and Ann-Marie Maloney, acting headteacher.
They wrote: “It is with great sadness and regret that we have to inform you that our Headteacher, Kerry Waters, has passed away. As a school community, we are all deeply affected by this tragedy, which we have learned about today. Mr Waters has been a much loved and respected Headteacher here, of 16 years.
“He has been part of the very fabric of our community and will be very missed. We are sure that you will wish to join us in offering our condolences and sympathy to his family and all of those who know him.
“We have now spoken to all pupils and staff in school about what has happened and we are making you aware of the arrangements that we have made:
“The Educational Psychology Service and Schools Counselling Service will be on site at school over the coming days, to offer support to staff and children.
“Reverend Emma Franks, our School Chaplain, will be available to talk to anyone affected, next week. If parents wish to talk to her, please could you contact the school so that we can make an appointment for you.
“We think it is very important that we all take the time to talk with and reassure children about what has happened. We have attached some information about typical responses to news of this kind.
“We appreciate that this is a huge shock, and is going to be a very difficult time for us as a school community. We will all need to support each other and work together at this difficult time.
Councillor Richard Clark, Torfaen Council’s executive member for children, families and education, said: “It is with great regret that we have been informed that our long serving Headteacher at Pontnewydd Primary, Kerry Waters, has passed away.
“We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. Mr Waters has been a much loved and respected Head Teacher for 16 years. He has been part of the very fabric of our school community and will be sorely missed.
“The Educational Psychology Service and Schools Counselling Service will be in school over the coming days and weeks to offer support to staff and children.
“On behalf of the council, we offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to his family, his colleagues and the pupils at Pontnewydd Primary and all those who knew him.”
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Torfaen MP, said: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Waters, Headteacher of Pontnewydd Primary, who gave so much to young people in Torfaen.
“My thoughts are with his loved ones, his colleagues, and the pupils at Pontnewydd Primary at this time.”