Tributes have been paid to a “loved and respected” Paisley teacher following his “very sad and sudden passing”.
Yesterday (Tuesday, June 24) headteacher Kevin Henry of St Andrew’s Academy informed pupils, staff and parents of the death of the school’s Principal Teacher of English, Derek Allison. It is understood he passed away at his home on Monday evening (June 23).
Derek Allison started at the high school as an English teacher in August 2012 before later becoming head of the department.
He was described as being “passionate about his love of the English language and the value of education”.
A statement from Headteacher Kevin Henry to the Daily Record read: “We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Derek Allison, principal teacher of English at St Andrew鈥檚 Academy.
“Derek was loved and respected by our young people and staff alike. He was always passionate about his love of the English language and the value of education.
“He was an incredibly talented and trusted member of our team. Derek was a great friend and colleague and we will miss him immensely.
“Our deepest condolences are with Derek鈥檚 family. We will remember Derek and his family in our prayers.鈥
Parents and pupils were informed about the tragic passing on Tuesday in a letter from the headteacher.
It read: “I am incredibly sorry to inform you of the very sad and sudden passing of Derek Allison, Principal Teacher of English in St Andrew’s Academy.
“I know that this will be very upsetting news to our school community, where Derek was loved and respected by our young people and staff alike.
“Derek started as an English Teacher in August 2012 and was always passionate about his love of the English language and the value of education.
“He later became Principal Teacher of English and was an incredibly valued and trusted colleague to the staff of not only his department but, the whole school community.
“I know that this news will be upsetting to many of our young people as well as the full staff of the school.
“We have passed our deepest condolences onto Derek’s family and will remember Derek and his family in our prayers.
“May he rest in peace.”
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The school has since offered support to students and staff who have been emotionally affected by the sad news.
The letter continued: “To support any young people in the school tomorrow, who may require it, there will be educational psychologists and pastoral staff available. Young people who need this support should come to the pastoral support corridor.
“Father John, our school chaplain, will be in school to offer spiritual support to young people and staff.
“We have a number of young people who are making their way back from trips today and the accompanying staff will look after these young people as they become aware of this loss before returning to their families. Senior staff will be at the school as these buses arrive.”
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