A SCHOOL has paid a touching tribute to one of its teachers following his death. 

Swain House Primary School, in Radcliffe Avenue, published a weekly newsletter on its Facebook page last Friday that was dedicated to staff member Liam North.

Mr North, a Reception class teacher, and Early Years Leader worked at the school for six years but passed away two weeks ago

The newsletter said: “All of the staff at Swain House Primary School have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from parents and members of the community since the devastating news that Mr North passed away last week.

“We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of your kind words, cards, messages, flowers, and gifts.

“Also, just the smiles or hugs on the playground have also been very much appreciated.”

The newsletter included pictures of Mr North as a child - he was a pupil at Swain House from the age of three and returned as a teacher in 2017 – as well as fun moments with colleagues.

Floral tributes have been left next to the school building following Mr North's death. 

His family also sent a message through the newsletter to all parents, carers and children. 

It said: “We have been deeply moved by all the loving messages, cards, and flowers we have received, as these beautiful gestures have been a reflection of the light that Mr North cast on all our lives.

“We are incredibly proud to hear of the impact he had on the children and school.

“We would also like to send our sincerest thanks for the kindness and support we have received from Mr North’s colleagues.”

Across his six years at the school, Mr North spent time teaching in Year 5, Year 2, and, most recently, the Elm class in Reception.

He was promoted to the Early Years Leader role in September 2022, was a Governor, and organised discos, school fairs, and other fundraising events under Friends of Swain House – a team of parents/guardians and teachers.

The newsletter said: “He was an amazing teacher who was passionate about teaching and loved working here at Swain House Primary School.

It added: “As well as being a colleague to us all here at Swain House, he was also our friend and a huge part of our everyday lives.

“We will miss him dearly, but we will always remember his smile, infectious laugh, and being one of the first on the karaoke on any staff night out.”

Swain House Primary has set up a Book of Condolence in the main entrance at the school which will be given to Mr North’s family.

A JustGiving page has been set up to raise funds in Mr North's name for Swain House Primary, to "help Liam give one last gift".

A total of £5,200 - just £50 short of the target - has been pledged so far, with a number of messages in tribute shared alongside some donations, including those on behalf of pupils who were taught by Mr North.

One person said: "Mr North was my daughter's favourite teacher and she would come home and always tell me what fun she's had at school with Mr North and how he was always funny than you daddy.

"He was always a pleasure to meet and talk to and just such a kind hearted person. A huge loss for so many."

Another described Mr North as a "beautiful, kind, loving man" and said the love and support the teacher showed her son was "out of this world".

She added that "there is just something about him" and the way Mr North treated her child would stick with their family forever.

A letter from headteacher Clare Pugh, addressed to parents and carers, and shared on the school’s Facebook page, announced the school will be closed from 11.30am on December 11, so staff can attend Mr North's funeral.

It said: “I understand that this will have an impact on the school community, but I feel that staff need this opportunity to say goodbye to Mr North”.

Children at the school will be picked up at their usual collection point at 11.30am on that day, according to the letter.