TRIBUTES have been paid to ‘popular and hugely respected’ Finham Park 2 headteacher Russell Plester, who passed away over the bank holiday weekend aged 52.
Russell passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, leaving behind his wife and two daughters.
Finham Park 2 was closed to all students on Tuesday (May 9) as a mark of respect to Russell, while teachers and other staff attended school where they received the sad news.
A letter was released by the school later that day to inform parents and to ensure students were made aware of the news before the school reopened to them today (May 10).
In the letter, it was said parents and students would be informed of plans to celebrate the life and work of Russell once they were finalised.
An email has also been set up for members of the community to send messages of condolence to the school.
Support will also be made available to all staff members and students should they need it.
Russell was headteacher at Finham Park 2 since the school opened in 2015, a role he previously said he felt ‘extremely proud’ to fill in a welcome letter on the schools website.
The CEO of the Finham Park Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Mark Bailie said: “The communities of Finham Park 2 school and Finham Park MAT are coming to terms with Russell Plester’s sudden and tragic death.
“I know I speak for the entire school community when I say we will all miss him dearly and our hearts and minds are with his family at this heart-breaking time.
“Russell was proud of all his students, celebrating their successes at every opportunity.
“Russell’s vision for Finham Park 2 was a huge part of his professional career.
“We will all endeavour to deliver his dreams and ambitions for the young people who attend the school – now and in the future.”
