She had been unwell for longer than I have been at Warwick. She was an inspiration to us all, not only as a fantastic teacher but someone who had an amazingly positive view on life. Mrs Appleyard never complained; she was determined to be treated like anyone else, even when she was undergoing one of the many rounds of treatment. The boys in her form were very lucky: she was a brilliant teacher providing them with the very best starts in life.

On Tuesday afternoon Year 5 and 6 boys joined staff  in the chapel for a moment of reflection to mark Mrs Appleyard's passing. For many of our boys it will have been the first time that they had been in this situation when someone close to them had died. Many were visibly moved as it was clear what a formative part Mrs Appleyard had played in their lives.

On Sunday, Myton Hospice will be hosting their Santa Dash. I know that many of our families have already signed up to join the event. Mrs Appleyard had hoped to be well enough to join colleagues and to be pushed around the course. Colleagues will still be attending to walk, jog or run around Victoria Park. Their thoughts will be with Mrs Appleyard as her loss will be significant in our close-knit community. We will be in touch with parents to let them know when arrangements are made.

Our thoughts are with Mrs Appleyard's daughters and with their grandparents as they begin to process their grief. Our chaplain, Mr Soper and staff will be available to support our boys. As Mr Soper remarked in his address in chapel, we all react in different ways to the death of a much-respected and loved member of our community. No doubt there will be sad days ahead, but also an opportunity to join as a community as we give thanks for the life of Mrs Appleyard.