Tributes to inspirational headteacher
‘Inspirational and respected’ head a ‘massive loss’ to education in city
TRIBUTES from Portsmouth’s education community are pouring in for an ‘inspirational’ headteacher after his death was announced.
Deamonn Hewett-Dale, headteacher of The Flying Bull Academy, passed away after a short illness unrelated to Covid-19. He had been head at the school for almost 20 years.
Cllr Suzy Horton, cabinet member for children, families, and education, said: ‘It is really sad news.
‘As a former teacher myself, you have a radar for a good school, and I remember the exhilaration of meeting a teacher who embodies everything you believe in.
‘Massive loss to the education world and particularly in Portsmouth.
‘An inspirational and respected leader and headteacher to all these families.
‘He just was amazing and really lived his values, and how amazing to have a headteacher like that be such a positive role model to all these children.’
Portsdown Primary School headteacher Ash Vaghela said: ‘He made such a difference to so many lives in Portsmouth – he was dedicated to the city, a really strong personality and a strong character and will be missed greatly.
‘For him, inclusion was so important, and being a champion for children. He was a strong voice in that, and in believing that every single child can succeed.
‘He was always very supportive of everyone, a lovely man.’
Flying Bull announced Mr Hewett-Dale’s death on Wednesday, describing him as a ‘much-loved and respected member of the Portsmouth education community’.
More recently, he was an executive leader at the University of Chichester Academy Trust.
Sue Samson MBE, who leads the University of Chichester Academy Trust, said: ‘Deamonn was an exceptional headteacher and a very special man, always seeking the very best for the children in his care and providing support, inspiration and friendship to his colleagues.
‘He has left us all with many happy memories and with a huge legacy of quality provision in a truly inclusive environment both at the Flying Bull Academy and across the trust.
‘The world is a better place because of his input and he will be sorely missed by us all.
‘Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’
Readers of The News paid tribute on our Facebook page.
Dannielle Howlett said that Mr Hewett-Dale was a ‘fabulous headteacher’, while Carly Webb remembers him as an ‘amazing man’.
Mark Cole said: ‘What a massive hole he will leave. Great headteacher, thoughts go out to his family.’
Bobbie Lewis said: ‘Amazing man will be very missed for sure.’
Lauren Paige Ellison said he was the ‘best headteacher ever’, and Donna Parsons commented that he was ‘such a lovely man’.
Sim Yass Jaiteh said: ‘So sad, he was an amazing headteacher who was always smiling. My condolences to his family.’
Barry Maidment said: ‘I worked with this man when he was studying to be a teacher. An absolutely lovely guy who will be sadly missed by lots of people.’
Joy Painting called Mr Hewett-Dale’s death ‘a great loss to the community and to education’.
Kerry Hazel Howard said: ‘One of the nicest guys I have ever met. Genuinely gutted. Always had a smile for everyone and was great fun to be around.’