Memories shared of teacher after beach body find
PEOPLE have been sharing their memories of missing Swansea teacher Siwan Ellis, after a body was found at Caswell Bay .
Ms Ellis, an English and drama teacher, has taught at a number of schools in Swansea and Carmarthenshire during her career.
Former pupils have described her as “kind” and “one of the best teachers in my years at school”.
Well-known and respected, Ms Ellis has been missing since Monday.
The body found at Caswell on Thursday has not yet been formally identified, but police have been speaking to Ms Ellis’s family in relation to the discovery.
Formal identification of the body was due to take place yesterday. Police are expected to confirm the identity of the dead person in the next couple of days.
One former pupil, Louise Wride, was taught by Ms Ellis at Pantycelyn School in Llandovery. Miss Wride left Pantycelyn in 2000 to study fashion and fine art at Llwyn y Bryn Art College, Swansea.
Now deputy mayor at Llandovery Town Council, Miss Wride said: “She was always so kind to me, I was a rebellious teenager, we kept in contact after I left school, and she would always send me positive vibes.”
Miss Wride had a twin sister who was also taught by Ms Ellis. She said her sister was inspired to take up teaching as a result.
Describing Ms Ellis as “a beautiful person”, she added: “My twin went on to be a deputy head because of Siwan’s inspiration.”
Before taking up teaching at Pantycelyn in 1998, Ms Ellis was involved heavily in charity work. She travelled to Uganda where she drove trucks delivering aid to refugees.
Ms Ellis moved to Swansea to teach at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe in 2004.
She initially taught English and drama, before becoming head of the department. She stayed there until 2012, where she was known for her sense of humour.
Mat Richards, from Swansea, was taught by Ms Ellis at Bryn Tawe. He took to social media to describe her as, “one of the best teachers in my years at the school”.
After leaving Bryn Tawe, Ms Ellis found a job as an English teacher at Bishop Gore Comprehensive School in Swansea.
Nieve Jones, from Swansea, was taught by Ms Ellis in 2013/14. She remembered her teacher well, and said: “She taught in Bishop Gore School, I remember her helping in some of my English classes when I was in Year 10.
“She was always so helpful and patient, a wonderful woman and teacher to all in the school.”
Police issued an appeal for Siwan Ellis’ whereabouts after growing concerned for her welfare.
She was last seen in the Mayals area of Swansea.