Tributes to much-loved primary school teacher from Plymouth who had been battling coronavirus

Staff and pupils at a primary school in Plymouth have been paying tribute to a much-loved teacher who had been battling coronavirus.

Prince Rock Primary School has shared touching messages from bothstaff and pupils following the death of Michael Issitt.

They have described him as a kind, funny and caring man who will bemissed dearly.

Staff at the school are inviting pupils to share tributes to thepopular teacher and say the school will celebrate his life when itre-opens.

The message continued: "We know that many children may want to have away of saying ‘goodbye’ to Mr Issitt and there are so many ways to dothis that are personal and meaningful whilst still observing currentguidelines about your safety and that of others.

"We have a tribute page on our website which we would love you to contribute to.

"Please email admin@princerock.co.uk with your tribute and we willupload it for you. This will become a permanent and lasting tributefor Mr Issitt’s family and the whole school community.

"When the school re-opens, we will have a celebration of Mr Issitt’slife as a school family."

Staff and former pupils have been sharing tributes and memories of MrIssitt, which have been published on the school's website.

Miss Brake said: "Mike – we will miss you so much. Thank you foreverything you did for our community: the onion bhajis at staffmeetings, the wonderful art displays in the hall and the campfiresongs. It was our privilege to know you. Cheryl."

Holly Hanley said: "Mr Issitt was my favourite teacher – he was alwayskind and made us all laugh a lot. I enjoyed doing lots of art withhim, especially where we painted reflections of towns in water.

"He also took us camping in Year 3. This was my first time away fromhome, but he made it much less scary and we all had a great time beingin the countryside singing round the campfire eating marshmallows."

Another tribute said Mr Issitt was a "one in a million".

In a heartfelt tribute, Miss Brimacombe shared happy memories of howhe would inspire youngsters and said the school will never be thesame.

She said: "Mike was one of those people who was able to make you laughwith just a look. Equally, his ability to listen and make you feelcared for and appreciated was very special, too.

"There are many, many Prince Rock children, past and present, who heinspired with his amazing artwork. He was passionate about making surethe children were able to express themselves creatively, boostingtheir confidence and celebrating their successes, no matter how big orsmall.

"My favourite memory of Mike is watching him teach a lesson about thehistory of guitar music - another passion of his.

"The children were smiling, dancing and could not take their eyes offof him playing the electric guitar. Mr Issitt, the art teacher, wassuddenly a rock star in his own classroom!

"Mike was a huge part of what makes Prince Rock such a special placeand it will never be the same without him.

"We love you, Mike."