Special school’s sadness as recently-retired head dies from coronavirus
A SPECIAL school in Rotherham has confirmed that their former headteacher has died from coronavirus.
Julie Mott had only recently retired from running Newman School and had also taught at other special schools in the region, including Heatherwood in Doncaster and Oakfield Park in Pontefract.
Newman School’s current head Paul Silvester announced her death on the school’s website: “It is with great sadness I have to report that my predecessor as headteacher at Newman School, Julie Mott died on Saturday night from the coronavirus.
“I had only a few shared moments with Julie, but being at the opening of the new hydrotherapy pool, Julie was able to see years of her work come together for the students of Newman School; there was true joy in her eyes to see it being completed.
“It was not about personal achievement, although it was, it was an achievement for the children, the pupils and the benefits they would achieve from the pool.
“Julie helped many staff personally, professionally through good times and bad. Many staff as this sad news has broken, shared stories of her kindness, determination,
JULIE MOTT: support, sense of humour and laughter that has been so warmly remembered.”
Over 300 tributes were left to Julie on the school’s Facebook page, many of them from parents of children she had taught.
Sarah-Louise Davies wrote: “If you asked me for three words that described Julie, it would be headstrong, resolute, and compassionate.”
Corey Beech commented: “Rest in peace to a fantastic woman. Provided a brilliant educational environment for those with additional needs. She gave me a place at the school when I was 14 and I will be forever grateful for it. Thank you for all you did Mrs Mott.”